(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – With coyote mating season underway, Cook County government is urging pet owners to take extra precautions to protect cats and dogs that could fall prey to the animals.
During the mating and whelping season, coyotes are establishing dens to raise their offspring and can become more aggressive, officials say. It runs through May.
“In areas near heavily wooded parts of Cook County, studies have found that cats can be a substantial part of coyote’s diet,” the Department of Animal and Rabies Control said.
Cats should be kept indoors overnight, officials say. Small dogs should be supervised and not left alone in yards, they add.
As for taking dogs for walks, the department says, “Coyotes are smart and can learn your schedule. If you always let your dog out or take them for a walk at a certain time, coyotes will learn that and be ready at that time.”
The population of coyotes roughly doubles in Cook County during mating and whelping season. By summer’s end, disease and other events bring the population back to its normal size, around 2,000.
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