Coyote Mating Period Approaching

You may see more coyotes in the area in coming months, as February through April are the typical coyote mating period. The City encourages you to be especially careful to keep your pets on a leash.

Coyotes are a permanent fixture in DuPage County’s rural, suburban and urban areas. Seeing a coyote cross a field, backyard, road or golf course does not necessarily constitute a problem or dangerous situation, either for humans or domestic animals. Coyotes will be more active and more visible in late-winter/early spring during their breeding seasons. Most coyotes are harmless; their goal is to eat more natural foods such as mice and rabbits.

However, coyotes are opportunistic. If coyotes see easy food – such as open garbage- and aren’t afraid, they may take advantage. That puts them in direct line for a confrontation with pets. Coyotes are not interested in eating pets, these are territorial disputes. This summer the Darien Police Department has received 3 reports of small family dogs that were killed by coyotes. Studies have shown that attempts at eliminating all coyotes are not practical, economical or workable. When coyotes are removed others quickly move in.

For more information on Coyotes you can visit the DuPage County Forest Preserve District at

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