Coyote/Human Interactions
As coyotes adapt to urban environments, there is a higher likelihood that humans will notice their presence. However, they have adapted to stay away from humans and conduct most of their activities in nighttime hours.
Baker & Timm (2016) researched coyote attacks in North America from 1977-2015 and found there were 367 documented coyote attacks on humans (an average of ~9.7 per year). Considering that there are about 4,000 coyotes in Chicagoland alone, this number is very statistically insignificant. There are only two known coyote deaths in the past half century in North America - a young girl in 1981 and a teenage Canadian woman in 2009.
Dens and pups
Coyote sightings generally increase in the Chicagoland area in April and May, which is pup season for coyotes. Coyotes mate in February and, following a 60-65 day pregnancy, give birth in April. They give birth and raise young pups in a den, which in urban areas can be close to human activity. Most dens are in dense tree cover, but as humans move closer to natural habitats, that tree cover might be right in the middle of a residential area (see Skokie Devonshire Coyote). Pups usually stay with their mother in the den for 6 weeks, with the father and mother leaving occasionally for food.
Coyotes will protect their den from intruders. If humans (especially those with dogs) get near, they may experience “escorting” behavior. This is when coyotes will follow you and sometimes show their teeth or other forms of aggression to get you to leave the area. They are doing this because they do not want you finding their pups. They are usually not planning to attack you or your dog, but instead just moving you to a safe distance.
What to do if approached by coyote
First of all, humans need to take steps so that the chance of interaction with a coyote is minimized. The biggest step you can take is to not feed a coyote. Heather Christophe, lead keeper at the Cosely Zoo, recommends that you do not leave pet bowls (food and water), bird food or garbage out in your yard. Though coyotes do not generally eat garbage or bird food, rodents do and rodents will attract coyotes.
Though pets are rarely a food source, do not risk attack and make sure to always keep pets on a leash. Do not leave small pets unattended in the yard and keep cats indoors.
Some residents worry that calling Animal Control means certain death for the coyote. This is why education is key. If we can understand behavior, we can make the right decisions when coexisting with nature. The Urban Coyote Research Project created a helpful chart (see to the right) on how to respond to certain coyote behaviors. By understanding coyotes, we can learn to coexist peacefully instead of eliminating them due to naivety or fear.
If approached by a coyote, remember the following:
Do not run, as that can trigger chasing behavior.
If the coyote is following you, make yourself large.
Make loud noises (yell, bang things, or even throw rocks near the coyote) or consider bringing a noise maker with you on walks, especially during pup season.
For the safety of yourself and your neighbors, if you see a coyote that seems unafraid of people or a coyote acting strangely, call your local Animal Control or non-emergency police line.