Orland Park is warning residents to be wary of coyotes and particularly to avoid feeding them, which is a safety hazard and illegal, according to a statement from the village.
The Orland Park Police Department has received reports of two pet dogs bitten by coyotes in the last six months and issued one warning to a resident who was feeding birds or animals and attracting coyotes during the same period, said village spokesman Joe La Margo.
This time of year is coyotes’ breeding season. They have heavy winter coats and look like large German Shepherds, Orland Park Police Animal Control Officer Steve Stronk said in a statement.
Coyotes typically eat rabbits and mice “but they’ll never pass up a free meal,” he said, including bird seed and the birds and animals that feed on the seed.
“The police department knows of Orland Park residents who — despite our repeated warnings — have been feeding coyotes,” Stronk said. “This is one of the reasons why coyotes are losing their fear of humans.”
It is illegal to ground feed any animals or birds in Orland Park, and Stronk recommended residents who use bird feeders and see coyotes nearby stop feeding birds for at least a month.
According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, it is “extremely rare” for coyotes to attack humans. Most reliable reported incidents occurred where people were intentionally feeding coyotes, but they do occasionally kill livestock and domestic pets.
Stronk urged residents not to leave family pets unattended outdoors.
“This is when coyotes have attacked, when they come across defenseless family pets outside by themselves,” he said.
Residents who do encounter a coyote should call 911 to get help and yell, scream, wave their arms and try to make themselves look larger rather than running away, Stronk said in the statement. If necessary, they can throw something at the coyote or use an air horn to scare it away, he said.
Residents with additional questions about wildlife in Orland Park can pick up coyote information packets at the Orland Park Police Department at 15100 S. Ravinia Ave. or call Stronk at 708-349-4111.
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