Wilson Park Playground - Park Advisory Council

01/15/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ASYuyhgUS/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Your dog just went out the back door alone. You have 60 seconds before a coyote can strike.

RIGHT NOW: Coyote mating season (next 4-6 weeks). Males are territorial, aggressive, and hunting small pets.

What happens: Silent. Fast. Your pet is gone before you hear anything.

What to do TODAY:
→ NEVER let pets out alone (day or night)
→ Leash walks only (even in your yard)
→ Scan yard before opening door
→ Motion lights + air horn by door

Your dog trusts you to protect them. They can't protect themselves from a 40-pound predator.

Go outside WITH them. Every. Single. Time.

12/23/2025

Neighbors - there have been numerous reports of a pack of coyotes making WPG their home . The seem to have gotten bolder and less afraid of humans in recent months.

A few quick tips on dealing with them as you are out and about and walking your dogs. Don’t walk your dogs unleashed as your dog may be curious and go the coyote triggering a response. Carry a noisemaker with you.

Should you be confronted do the following:

1. Back away slowly. Keep your dog on a leash. Pick up small dogs.

2. Don’t run away, it may trigger a predatory response.

3. Use noisemaking devices to scare the coyote.

4. Report aggressive coyotes to the Illinois Department of natural resources.

More info: https://urbancoyoteresearch.com/coyote-info/how-avoid-conflicts-coyotes #:~:text=We%20recommend%20if%20you%20are,Report%20aggressive%2C%20fearless%20coyotes%20immediately