Report Coyote Sightings in Orland Park

ORLAND PARK, IL - Residents of Orland Park are urged to report all coyote sightings in the village to the Orland Park Police Department.

The local coyote population has risen steadily since the animal made its first appearance in the south suburbs during the 1970s because they have no natural predators, according to a news release from the village of Orland Park.

“For the safety of family pets, please do not leave them unattended outdoors in order to avoid unfortunate attacks by coyotes,” said Dan Calandriello, village trustee and public safety committee chair.

Coyotes usually are spotted in packs of as many as eight. They are not as big a threat to humans as they are to pets.

How do you know it's a coyote?

“Coyotes look like German Shepherds and, at this time of the year, they look very large because their winter coats are in,” Orland Park Police Animal Control Officer Steve Stronk said. “When they’re wet, they look like a 40 pound dog."

Animals who would likely be attacked if they were spotted by a coyote include rabbits and birds. Residents who regularly feed birds in an area should stop if they see a coyote in the same general area, Stronk said. It is actually illegal to feed any wildlife in Orland Park.

Also, never feed a coyote. Those who do are accounting for one of the reasons why coyotes are "losing their fear of humans," according to Stronk.

If you see a coyote, report the location and call the police department at 708-349-4111.

File photo