Coyote sightings in and around Glen Ellyn have created quite a stir. What should you do?

Lets take a look at some the factors why there may be more wildlife sightings in your neighborhood.

According to DuPage County Forest Preserve study, the coyote and fox habitat has been shrinking due to continued development over the past 2 decades. This loss of habitat causes wildlife to wander into populated areas.

Glen Ellyn homeowners are blessed (or cursed) by living in an environment with mature trees and open space, relatively large lot sizes, and proximity to forest preserves and protected waterways. This open space is a natural preserve intended to give the wild critters a place to live, and for human inhabitants to wander and reflect in it. Unfortunately, wild critters like to wander as much as people do. And when their natural habitat shrinks, they have few other choices but to wander into populated areas.

Contributing to this behavior is the availability of alternative food sources. Some homeowners may unintentionally attract wildlife by leaving pet food and/or food scraps outside, which encourages wildlife into neighborhoods to forage. If small pets roam unattended outside, they can become an attractive niblet to a natural predator as any other prey. Just easier to pick.

So, are coyotes and foxes considered a health threat?

Maybe yes, if you happen to be a small cat or dog left outside in the cold and your owner is feeding the fish inside. According to the Willowbrook Wildlife Center (www.willowbrookwildlife.com), Coyotes and red foxes are not considered to be a significant source of infectious diseases that can be transmitted to humans. They may be carriers of rabies, although there have been no rabid coyotes or foxes in DuPage County in recent years.

Here are some ideas to prevent problems with coyotes & foxes:

Do not encourage coyotes or foxes by feeding them!

* Keep pet food and watering dishes inside, especially at night.
* Do not allow spillage to accumulate outside bird feeders.
* Keep grills and barbecues clean. Even the smallest food scraps may attract coyotes or foxes.
* Do not keep garbage cans outside if possible.
* Use welded wire to exclude animals from underneath decks.
* Keep cats indoors.
* Keep small dogs and cats on leashes and stay with your pets while outside, especially during the evening and early morning.
* Coyotes are creatures of habit. If you encounter a coyote the same place and same time while walking your pet, you may want to change your path or time of your walk.

For more information on ways to deter fox and coyotes from your neighborhood visit: http://www.willowbrookwildlife.com/GuidesDetail.asp?id=9.

For a complete list of wildlife guides visit: http://www.willowbrookwildlife.com/guides.asp

Do you have a wildlife story you wish to share?

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