Trapper called in to trap coyotes - Wheaton Press Release and Website

That's the title of an article today in the print edition of the Glen Ellyn News. I quote it because of our immediate proximity to the western edge of that community, and because of the coyote sightings reported by our residents. Our local Wheaton paper also recently published an article on the coyote sightings.

To quote the GE News:

"The Glen Ellyn Police Department has received 36 reports of coyotes this month"....... It was reported that "a resident saw two coyotes attempting to prey on a small dog that was trapped within the confines of an electric fence".

The article went on "Anyone who spots a coyote should call the police." [See important comment (1) below - BLMH residents SHOULD NOT call the GE Police Department!]
Glen Ellyn Police Chief Phillip Norton was quoted "And don't feed them.......It sounds silly to some of us, but there are some that like to look at the wild animals in the backyard and will leave food for them."

(1) Note to BLMH residents. We are residents of Wheaton so DO NOT call the Glen Ellyn Police Department! The Wheaton Police have this statement on their website:

"Anyone can call 9-1-1 if they observe any wild animal behaving in a threatening manner. Police officers will respond Or, contact the Willowbrook Wildlife Center’s 24-hour automated phone line for advice at 630-942-6200".

A Glen Ellyn statistic:

• 20 coyotes spotted in January 2009
• 47 coyotes spotted in January 2010

The article also stated that traps will be set to catch coyotes. Obviously, our residents should not allow their pets to be unattended or to roam. This is in violation of the Rules and Regulations of BLMH. However, considering the issues with coyotes in the area, and traps, it would seem that a responsible pet owner will take steps to protect the animals under their care. Both the coyotes and the traps will be indiscriminate in what they catch. This is a quote from the official city of Wheaton website:  "Coyotes typically mate in February or early spring. During mating season, coyotes – especially males – may be more visible. It is especially important to keep pets on a leash during this time."

Wheaton has added the following special sections to the city website:

Click to find out about Coyotes in Wheaton
Click for more About coyotes and what to do if you encounter one
Click to find out How to deter coyotes
(2) Added February 12:
Click for Video - Coyotes In Suburbia - Protecting Your Pets

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Press Release

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

WHEATON, Ill. – The Police Department has received reports of coyotes being sighted in the area of Weaver Court and the surrounding neighborhood. No problems were experienced in these recent sightings.

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 family pets. Although no attacks have been reported within the City of Wheaton, in isolated but tragic cases elsewhere, coyotes have attacked small children.

Essentially unimpeded by control measures, abundant food has encouraged coyotes to become accustomed to the sight and sounds of humans. Consequently, coyote populations and range have expanded in recent years in the Western suburbs.

While coyotes are valuable in decreasing the rodent population, their presence in populated areas can be minimized.

• DO feed pets indoors or promptly remove dishes when pets complete their meal outside. Store bags of pet food 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 abnormally 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. They are easy, favored prey. Some coyotes hunt cats in residential areas.
• Dogs should be brought inside after dark and never allowed to run loose.
• DO NOT leave domestic pet food outside. Wildlife will soon depend upon it.

Anyone may phone 9-1-1 should they observe any wild animal behaving in a threatening manner. Officers will respond.
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Related articles about our neighboring community can be read at: mysuburbanlife Glen Ellyn edition

The Wheaton Sun website is: Suburban Chicago News - Wheaton Sun Edition

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For "official" information about coyotes at BLMH, for policies and procedures and specific recommendations at BLMH, contact the "Communications Director" c/o the Board of Managers. 

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Additions, Errors, Omissions:
(1) Added note to remind BLMH residents that we are not residents of Glen Ellyn and we should not call the Glen Ellyn Police Department. We should follow the instructions and recommendations of the Wheaton Police Department!
(2) Added link to video, which will run in Microsoft Media Player, etc.