WHEATON, Ill. – During the morning of Jan. 27, 2010, a resident in the 1500 block of Camden Place observed a coyote attack the resident’s pet dog. The dog was in the back yard area of the resident’s home. The coyote did not approach the resident.
The Wheaton Police Department responded and transported the injured dog to the Danada Veterinary Clinic. The dog sustained multiple injuries and had to be put to sleep.
Officers continue to check the area in attempt to locate a coyote den.
The Police Department reminds residents that coyotes are a common wild animal in this area of Illinois. Usually they reside in wooded areas; however, they enter residential neighborhoods occasionally.
In most cases, wild animals such as coyotes are attracted to food sources such as bird feeders, compost piles, and uncovered trash containers.
Coyotes can survive on whatever food is available, from rodents to rubbish, from insects to fruit to carrion. They can be a threat to small family pets. Although no attacks on humans have been reported within the City of Wheaton, in isolated but tragic cases elsewhere, coyotes have reportedly attacked small children.
While coyotes are valuable in decreasing the rodent population, their presence in populated areas can be minimized.
- DO feed pets indoors or promptly remove pet food when pets complete their meal outside. Extra pet food should be stored indoors.
- DO clear brush and dense weeds from around property. This deprives rodents of shelter and reduces protective cover for coyotes.
- DO use trash barrels equipped with tight clamping devices on the lids, which will prevent spills should they be tipped over by large animals.
- DO try to educate your friends and neighbors about the problems associated with feeding coyotes. If you belong to a homeowner’s association or neighborhood watch, bring up the subject during one of the meetings.
- DO NOT feed or provide water for coyotes or other wildlife. This practice attracts coyotes and promotes increased numbers of rodents, birds, snakes and other creatures that can provide major portions of the coyote’s natural diet.
To Protect Pets:
Keep small pets (cats, rabbits, small dogs) indoors. Don’t allow them to run free at any time. Small pets are easy, favored prey. Some coyotes hunt cats in residential areas.
Dogs should be brought inside after dark and never be allowed to run loose.
DO NOT leave domestic pet food outside. Wildlife will soon depend upon it.
Anyone may call 9-1-1 should they observe any wild animal behaving in a threatening manner; officers will respond.
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