Coyotes Sightings in New Lenox: Safety Reminders

After coyotes have been spotted in several New Lenox neighborhoods, the police department is reminding residents how to stay safe if they come across one.

"It's not a huge problem, but we periodically get calls," Chief Bob Sterba said. "We just have a little primer on what to expect." 

In addition to posting a message on the village website, the police department is looking to establish a partnership with a private, licensed trapper the police can use for a referral service when they receive calls. They use a similar referral for squirrels and racoons.

In January, coyotes nearly killed a couple of small dogs in a residential New Lenox area earlier this week, according to Sun-Times Media.

The family lives in the area south of Haven Avenue and north of Illinois Highway, just east of the undeveloped 500-acre land. There have been other reports of coyotes in New Lenox, especially in areas with more open space.

Last year, a Joliet man was  near Gougar Road and Illinois Highway.

Here are some key tips from the village's news release:

• One of the worst things residents can do is provide food for coyotes as they should never be encouraged to interact with humans and domestic pets.
• It is highly unlikely that the coyote will attack a human. There have been sixteen coyote bites in Illinois in the last 30 years and most of these happened when people tried to feed these wild animals by hand.
• If approached by a coyote never run and never turn your back. Back away slowly toward your house, car or any type of shelter that offers protection and safety. Should a coyote walk toward you as you’re backing away, or if it growls and its hair stands up on its back, yell, scream, and wave your hands to appear larger than you are.
• If while walking your dog a coyote approaches, it more than likely wants your pet and not you. If your pet is small, pick it up immediately and follow the tactics above to scare the coyote. Air horns have been known to scare coyotes.
• Whenever you let your dog out, go outside with the dog or keep a very close eye on your family pet.
• Coyotes are in the New Lenox area because they’ve discovered food sources. Residents should keep their garbage cans sealed.