Plainfield Coyote Sightings: What To Do If You See One

PLAINFIELD, IL — According to Plainfield police, there have been recent reports of coyote sightings in the village. But just spotting one of the wily critters isn't cause for alarm — or calling the cops.

If you've seen a coyote but it hasn't been aggressive to you or a pet, don't call the police, the Plainfield Police Department said on Facebook. But there are a few things you can do to keep yourself and your pets safe:

• Do not feed coyotes
• Walk pets on a leash
• Secure garbage containers
• Accompany pets when you let them outside

While there haven't been any reports of aggressive coyotes in Plainfield, last month in Elwood a coyote was killed by police after it bit three employees at the CenterPoint Intermodal Center. Staff at the intermodal center had reportedly been feeding the coyote leftover pizza and other food.

Police said "dangerous and vicious" coyote bit and scratched several people, two of whom were treated at Presence St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet for puncture wounds. Police confirmed that the coyote did not have rabies. Police confronted the wild animal and shot it after the three attacks.

Related:

• 'Lost Puppy' Brought To Police Turns Out To Be Coyote
• Coyote Attack Kills Dog In Palatine Backyard
• Deerfield Pet Dog Killed In Backyard Coyote Attack

Photo via Shutterstock