Wilmette is urging residents to be aware of aggressive coyotes after a family reported an encounter with a coyote that bit a 5-year-old child on the back of the shoulder in early March. The incident occurred at Elmwood Dunes Preserve in Wilmette, where the grandmother and her two grandchildren were confronted by the coyote while in the lakefront park. The coyote followed them as they moved and bit the child. The village closed the park and posted signs warning of the aggressive coyote, which has since been reopened.
Village Manager Mike Braiman emphasized the importance of learning to coexist with wildlife and maintaining awareness of surroundings, especially with small children and pets. He added that the village collaborates with experts to provide residents with tips on interacting with coyotes.
During coyote breeding and pup season from February to July, coyotes may become more territorial. Female coyotes typically find or dig dens in April to raise their young, often in secluded sites, but urban coyotes may inhabit dens in areas frequented by humans. After the pups are born, the parents guard the den site carefully to prevent predators from accessing it.
The Cook County Forest Preserve website notes that the coyote population in the Chicago region has remained relatively stable since the 1980s, with some coyotes weighing as much as 42 pounds. Coyotes can be found in rural, suburban, and urban areas, including the developed parts of Chicago.
Braiman stressed that coyote attacks on humans are rare, but advised against feeding coyotes or running away from them if encountered. Instead, residents are encouraged to wave their arms and make noise to deter the coyote and make it retreat. The village plans to distribute a guide to residents on interacting with coyotes appropriately. Residents are urged to report any aggressive coyote encounters to the village.
