Coyote Mating Season Incites Increased Attacks on Suburban Pets

Coyotes are no strangers to the suburban sprawl. As subdivisions replace wild animals' natural habitats, feral creatures like coyotes may be found wandering onto such properties. During the winter months, known as coyote mating season, these canines tend to show up more often than usual, and they are more likely to attack pets and other small animals.

Already this year, several coyote conflicts have been reported in Chicago's northern suburbs, with dogs and cats being the prime targets.

January was marked by a pack of coyote attacks on pets in Northern Illinois and elsewhere.

A 20-pound terrier in Wheaton, Illinois, was surprised by a coyote that leapt into his backyard on Thursday, January 27, 2011. The dog was euthanized, sustaining serious injuries from the coyote.

Also recently, a Libertyville resident discovered her Chow mix growling at a pack of coyotes in her yard, which includes a horse farm. The Northern Illinois woman hollered at the coyotes, who ran off.

A pair of coyotes fell upon two unleashed dogs near a home on Chicago's lakefront during the first days of January 2011. Fortunately, the dogs' owner was able to frighten the coyotes away, and the dogs were relatively uninjured.

The same week, a woman in Northern Illinois and her dog were attacked by a single coyote, as they strolled along Sheridan Road.

"Generally, coyote activity is not unusual ... during this time of year," explained Highland Park Police Sergeant Chris O'Neill at the time. "We were concerned about the obvious, aggressive nature of the coyotes in these reported incidents."

Coyotes, akin to jackals, are commonly found throughout North America. These adaptive animals have grown bolder, even as their previous natural territories have shrunk to commercial and residential developments. Coyotes may be seen and heard, prowling about in search of food and sounding their barks, howls and yelps.

Why does coyote mating season seem to provoke more attacks on pets?

The annual season for coyote courtship extends from January to March. During this time, several male coyotes may begin pursuing each female. Usually, the strongest coyote will win.

Of course, the quest requires additional energy, as does the process of building a nest for breeding, so coyotes need to eat more to sustain the process. What's more, female coyotes need extra nutrition during their 60-day gestation, so their 40- to 50-pound male counterparts hunt more aggressively during this time.

Favorite food sources for carnivorous coyotes include field mice, fish, poultry, rabbits, squirrels and other small animals. Of course, coyotes will also eat berries, bird food, compost, fruit, garbage, pet food and nearly anything they can scavenge.

Unfortunately for coyotes and for domesticated pet owners, the winter months offer fewer nutritional options for wild animals. In desperation, coyotes may prey upon pets for food. Although many coyote attacks tend to occur in secluded parks and forest preserves, these instances may also happen in more densely populated areas.

A few instances have been reported, in which coyotes acted aggressively towards humans, but caution is always warranted around these wild animals.