'Zombie' Coyotes? Sightings Of Sick Animals Spark Suburban Warnings

HANOVER PARK, IL — A rash of coyote sighting has prompted some northwest suburbs, such as Arlington Heights, to alert residents about the roaming animals. But some sightings in Hanover Park have caused officials to warn people about sick coyotes carrying a disease that makes the four-legged critters appear and act "zombie-like." In fact, the condition — sarcoptic mange — has some mistaking the infected coyotes for poorly treated stray dogs, according to Hanover Park police.

Sarcoptic mange, which also is known as canine scabies, is a highly contagious skin condition caused by parasitic mites. These mites also can infest other animals, such as cats and horses, as well as humans.

"Infected animals will often appear 'mangy' — which looks just like it sounds," Hanover Park police stated in a Facebook update posted Wednesday, Aug. 30, concerning recent sightings of sick coyotes. "They suffer hair loss and develop secondary infections, eventually looking like some sort of 'zombie' dog." (Get Patch real-time email alerts for the latest Arlington Heights news. And iPhone users: Check out Patch's new app.)

Although coyotes are largely nocturnal, the disease affects their vision, forcing the infected animals to look for food in daylight hours, according to police. This behavior — along with the change in appearance — has caused some residents to confuse the diseased coyotes for "lost pets" or "malnourished or neglected stray dogs," police said.

"These infected animals are not normally aggressive, but should be avoided at all times," Hanover Park police added.

Bands of "zombie" coyotes might not be ready to overrun Arlington Heights, but a recent sighting reported to the park district prompted the village to post warning signs last week, according to the Daily Herald. The coyote was spotted on the north side, and the signs have been posted near a sand volleyball court at Creekside Park and at Nickol Knoll Park, the report added.

This isn't the first time officials have put up these signs as a precautionary measure. A recent coyote sighting at Raven Park and the presence of diving red-winged blackbirds at Lake Arlington generated similar responses, the report added.

So what should someone do if they come nose to snout with a coyote, whether it's of the standard-issue or the mange-infected variety? While coyote attacks on humans are rare, the Cook County Coyote Project, a comprehensive study and program that examines the animal in the Chicago area, has these six tips to minimize the risk:

1. No feeding
2. Make sure pets aren't running loose or unattended if a coyote has been spotted nearby
3. Don't run from a coyote
4. Repellents or fences might help
5. Report aggressive, fearless coyotes immediately to community officials
6. Don't create conflict

Go to the Cook County Coyote Project's website for more information about the animal.

More via the Daily Herald

A coyote infected with sarcoptic mange, canine scabies. (Photo via the Hanover Police Department)

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