There has been a confirmed sighting of coyotes in RWV and Neumann. Please take extreme caution if confronted.

Below are steps that we can take to avoid an encounter and to minimize the attraction of coyotes.

• Do not leave children unattended if coyotes have been recently spotted.
• Do not leave food of any kind outside.
• Store garbage cans inside the garage. Coyotes have a great sense of smell; even empty garbage cans contain smells that can attract them.
• Pay close attention to cats, and small dogs that may be outside. Small animals attract coyotes. Do not leave them unattended.
• If confronted with a coyote, yell very loud or carry a device that makes loud sounds.
• If bitten by a coyote, please seek medical attention right away, most coyotes have rabies. This applies to pets as well.
• Do not feed them in any way. They will become dependant on people and keep coming back.
• Always scare off coyotes by yelling, making loud noises or throwing rocks, this will discourge further visits.

• Weigh between 15 to 45lbs.
• Can climb/jump an 8 foot fence.
• They walk about 13mph, trot at 20mph and run about 40mph.
• They hunt both day and night but are mainly nocturnal.
• They stalk prey for 30 minutes or so before attacking.
• Are omnivores and can adapt diets to available food sources.

Click here to hear what coyotes sound like.

Here is what the IDNR sent me: (102k)
"The IDNR's role in coyote management and resolution of problems with coyotes is primarily regulatory and educational" -Source IDNR

Coyote tracks vs. dog tracks.

Note the coyote paw on the left has 2 pads in front and 2 in back vs. dog paw (right) has 4 pads across.
Pictures taken at RWV 11/12/2006. The tracks are not to scale, the dog track (right) is from an 85lb Labrador Retriever and is about 50% larger than the coyote track.
More information on:
WikiPedia. Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR)