NORTHBROOK, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The Cook County Forest Preserve says it has plans to help a resident of the forest to feel more at home.
There's a coyote in a cage at River Trail Nature Center in Northbrook. Activists have been worried about its living condition.
Cook County Forest Reserve officials said they plan to create a larger enclosure for the animal-possibly 2,500 square feet of space.
"As important, the new enclosure will include trees, places to dig and other natural features, more and larger spaces to be away from people, and complexity that will provide more enrichment," read a statement.
"Other changes include expanded enrichment activities for the coyote, improved educational messages about protecting coyotes to visitors, and more robust monitoring of the coyote’s behavior."
The enclosure is expected to mimick its natural habitat. The ChicagoTribune reported that the Forest Preserve rejected the idea to transfer the coyote they call Rocky to a wildlife sanctuary in Colorado where animals live in packs in large fenced-in fields.
"Because the coyote is an imprinted animal that has lived with humans practically since birth, there is no guarantee it will thrive if moved across the country and introduced to other coyotes," said the Cook County Forest Preserve.
Related
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram