Oh god, here come the posts

Coyotes are cool looking! (BTW.... You okay Christopher??!)

Yes, i was just anticipating the number if posts that say we should hunt them unto they are extinct. I do enjoy how the writer added the 6 foot fence part....

Imagine, a coyote running away when yelled at. Whodda thunk?

6 feet! He must have been Hungry!! (No offense to females. A guy ("person") has to be careful what is said with all of the political correctness that abounds!). That savage Coyote should be more sensitive to man's sentiments. (women's too). Does anyone know if Coyotes are good eating? The fur makes very nice and warm winter apparel!

I told you so!! So Wheaton, when you are getting tired of these attacks contact me. A coyote expert since 1995. Here's my number, serious inquiry only-(815)-238-3005. I have a solution that works.

Shawn, are you going to introduce road runners? If so, your plan is fantastic! Beep beep!

Ha!

Shawn, I will once again ask that you refrain from offering your "services" to the city and general public since experienced trappers/hunters all agree that this will only exacerbate the problem. True solutions demand public education, plain and simple. I can guarantee you we don't want our hard-earned tax money paying for your services which, again, will result in more attacks. Thanks, but no thanks.

Unheard- I'd do it for free!! Why? Because like you and Mr.beep beep, i do take it serious and have studied coyotes for over 20 years. I know the gravity of seriousness of coyotes first hand. If the Dnr have organized hunting parties, hunt for the dens of these prolific animals (coyotes) its not wares money. Point in case- Britt, Iowa did the same thing with crows that attacked peoples garbage. It cost tax Paterson an additional thousand dollars per incident for clean up. They successful culled the four thousand crows. Nature was to blame from the drought. Crows depended on smaller animals for food, And since field mice were dying off of a drought, crows needed to survive. Albeit city garbage was their way to eat. This was in 1996. Second case- In 1984 in Maquoketa, Iowa they lead a Dnr hunt with local hunter fir overgrown pigeon problem. They closed down the downtown for one day. It was structured and organized by the Dnr and had a 100% success rate. So your ignorance is only making matters worse for people affected. If you want to be a real man, take action. Lead a petition to city hall to have the Dnr have organized hunting parties to ferret out their dens and killed them.

The less coyotes, the safer involved for everyone involved. I have a wealth of knowledge, and experience. And because I care. And i will take this case to Wheaton officials. With intelligence, Taft and respect. To everyone that is affected. So send me your emails, and ill send a petition to Mayor and councilmen with signatures to convince them to have Dnr led hunting parties. And the funds would be paid to the Dnr. Not to any hunter. Got a better suggestion that has worked with 100% certainty? And be intelligent about this.

are you licensed?

Sick-em Shawn! Ferret out the Canada Geese while you're at it!! Maybe someone should train the Coyotes to eat more geese! Maybe we should spray the geese with poodle scent.

Tom - yes i am.

Why do you people think its soo funny !

Shawn should come to Wheaton and hunt them all!

"say goodbye to my little friends" !!!!!!

I've got this radical idea - The city should be responsible for streets and public parks that it has jurisdiction over. Property owners should be responsible for care of their property - including, but not limited to, protection of self, family, pets and property. If a coyote produces a reasonable threat to any of those above, trapping or extermination (as a last option) falls on the property owner, and the liability for that falls on them as well to do so responsibly. If the city chooses to trap or relocate from parks, more power to 'em for doing something with has clearly become a nuisance animal! Sorry, I know this seems simple, but why such an aversion to simple?

city has just 1 park , adams park. i have 2 large dogs 90&75 pounds in a fenced yard. At night i have flood lights and go out with till they're done. you can't leave them alone with wily around, be responsible owners

Who honestly thinks this situation will get better on it's own? Remember back when the geese used to be afraid of humans and vehicles. But we have taught them that they are safe. What do you think will happen with the coyotes? Do you honestly think that yelling and waving your arms will cause them to go away. Eventually, they too, will ignore the humans and continue to do what they want, knowing that there are not any risks involved. Wait until this winter, when they get very hungry and small children want to play in the snow in their own yards. Be vigilant and protect your family, pets and property.

Thank you Major Tom! Aaron Camp, two years ago the city hired a trapper who described himself as "a ghost in the dark" which was disturbing to everyone, including hunters. He hit coyotes in the snout first to "stun" them, then strangled and finally shot them! This was paid for by our tax money, despite numerous protests from practically every citizen. (Word was that Peter Roskam was concerned about this issue so, Mayor Gresk's hands were "tied.") Trapping/killing is ineffective as they simply reproduce more in the same area. Traps and relocation don't work. Traps are horribly cruel and children and other animals are very often caught in them. When relocated they simply return to where they were. What does work is simple education. Just as you said so wisely, people need to be responsible for the pets on their property!

unheard check the vote it was 5 to 2 for the trapper see how they voted

http://www.wheaton.il.us/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=6066

Kathy, we can see that you are very concerned about your rights. However, the point here is that, as you claim, (though everyone in Wheaton knows these coyotes weren't killed kindly.) that Wheaton and Glen Ellyn both hire/d trappers. Well, Kathy if that's working why is there still a "problem" then? If it were working we wouldn't be discussing it, would we? So we are back, yet again, to education. What I fear the most is that Wheaton will hire another trapper-paid for by out hard-earned money and this will be ineffective as we should all know by now. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Aaron, I really do see your point but, if we allow people to run outside and shoot coyotes at will in Wheaton we will be having a lot more "issues" to deal with as many of them are incapable of following the cities advice, right on the website and simply watch their pets and children. Heck, DCFS is probably cringing while they read this. I truly have looked at this issue intently for about two years now and education is so important. I am really glad that you see that because it is simple and effective. Thank you!

Yes, Major Tom, as I said, they are city workers not your average citizen. For crying out loud, I am even giving you a name. Here goes, once again-Peter Roskam. What more do you want?

I would still also love it if someone, anyone would explain why watching their dogs, even in their own yard, is such an encumbrance? After all, animals can be bitten by snakes or other wild animals too, right? I think if anyone's reading this from areas with true wildlife they are probably wondering how we survive here at all, given some of the ignorant postings.

Okay "Unheard", you're heard now. Back to work...Stop beating a dead coyote.
Bye now. 'nuff said, K?

Coyote Attacks on Humans

In the year 1983 in Los Angeles, a coyote attacked a three year old girl and killed her while she was playing outside - so take these animals seriously. From 1993 until 1997 there were seven coyote attacks on humans in Arizona, with over half in 1997. In 2000 and 2001 there were 2 attacks of a coyote, one of a 9-year-old-boy and the other of a 3-year-old boy. Both of them survived.

If you find yourself in a situation where you see a coyote in the nearby vicinity, it is advisable to just simply watch the animal and see what its reactions are. In a normal situation, the coyote won't run but it won't come near you. In this case, the coyote is more interested in the surroundings rather than you but it will keep an eye to see what will be your next move, just to make sure you won't approach it.

http://www.coyotehuntinginfo.com/coyote-attacks.php

Just bring a laser pointer with you to shine in their eyes. Works every time.

Mark with all due respect, 1983? Was this girl, who was only 3 years old being supervised by anyone? If people will learn to simply watch their children and dogs, their lives will be much easier. This is why it's illegal to neglect your children.

Mark and MK, Thank you for posting the site to remind people of the importance of watching their pets. Many are incapable of this very simple act!

Mark if you look long and hard enough you can show anything. We will all be struck by lightning twice before any child is harmed by a coyote in Wheaton. This is exceptionally rare and has only happened in a handful of states in America-yes, the entire country. And yes, 99.9% of the time these children were unsupervised. I should add that frightening people adds to the problem in another way. If the city folk are extremely stupid, they will hire another hunter/trapper like they did two years ago (with our hard-earned tax money, I might add.) and we will be right back to where we are today. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. The only solution is simple though no one likes to hear it.Please keep your dog/s on a leash and supervise your children. Not much to ask of people is it?

It seems that I'm a bit late getting to this party! Did I miss the part where coyotes are tried and burned at the stake? Thankful, there are a few voices of reason in Wheaton like Unheard's! And a very good point Unheard makes! Our country is 3 1/2 million square miles in area and is populated by a bit over 300 million people. One should consider that in the same breath as the roughly 160 coyote attacks over the past thirty years and one will come to the conclusion that such an incident, though tragic in any event, is exceedingly rare. Or one could conclude that the average Wheatonite is given to delusional hysteria over nonsense. Either conclusion is equally valid.

Vincent, thank you! I even checked your research, which is valid. I appreciate it!! Wouldn't you love to know what in the world these people would do if they were living in an area with extensive wildlife surrounding them. They might have the encumbrance of watching their children and pets while waiting for the government to kiss them and tuck them in at night.

And Starry, what are you talking about in your post about the nuisance crows attacking people's garbage?! My first thought was, "did any of the garbage die from the attacks?" And then I started wondering about what manner of crow lives off of small rodents? How stupid of farmers to be putting scarecrows out in their fields to protect their corn! Guess I'm just a dumb country boy but I thought crows had a liking for corn, and that they didn't much care for mice. No wonder those crows went after garbage, since mice do most of their scurrying around at night and crows tend to be a day-dweller. Thank you for sharing your expertise with all us dummies.
And thank you for offering your "services" for free. You're obviously an independently wealthy person who doesn't need to make a living leading ill-advised hunts on animals. It's nice to know that someone isn't shedding blood to make a living but because he simply enjoys it.

Vincent, i make my living just as any red blood American. To attack me shows your incompetence in any kind of leadership role. I served four years in the United States Marine in Bosina, Simplistic, and as well in Iraq. I have 2 purple hearts. All before i became a animal hunter. I tracked various animals growing up, and learning about animal behavior by the time i was 15. I also have one book published in 2010 titled, "The Train of Life". So yeah, IM quite intelligent, with the experience. So let me educate you. Animals act like animals. Their behavior is impacted by every contributing factors of elements. We had a drought. Small games have become scarse. More yet Wheaton is located south of a forest preservation. Which means they are protected there. They gave a breeding ground which has expanded. Your home now fucking belongs to them because they don't give a fuck who you are. And they will take advantage of any resources available. And the fact that people like you don't heed warnings! So let this College educated Marine, expert hunter/ trapper and animal behavior anaylist tell you and all of you Wheaton people, better take coyotes serious, because they have taken over your land, freedom. Listen to the ones living in fear, see the reports.

Bosnia, Somolia, and Iraq.

So Monday morning IM going to be talking to the officials about this, and hopefully make a difference.

I appreciate your service for our country Shawn. Thank you.

Thank you Chris and Hk. I will download the app. I will contact the Dnr gentleman to see what i can do to contribute to Wheaton.

shawn try 30 years in usaf and 2 ph, been there tok

Chrisus i spoke with Gary at the wildlife. Gary mentioned how urban sprawl is pretty dense there. There's no real bordering, which poses the problem with hunting coyotes. His only suggestion is closed fences and carry Pepper spray. And Allan, thank you, but no thanks. There are two kinds of people in the world, those who hunt and those who don't. I've always been a hunter and always will be one. And no I live in Freeport, not Wheaton. Unfortunately the City of Wheaton has refused any real help from the Dnr as to cull coyotes, just an advice of fencing and Pepper spray. So good luck and God bless.

Alan: Stop your harassment and judgements on Shawn. I am thinking now that you are the one who needs the mental help. Stop.

@shawn starry your comments were removed because they violated our terms of use.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sLR0vgpeWI

Alan you are just a moron- plain and simple

can a coyote really jump over a 6ft high fence? I thought they didn't really jump... they first had to use their front paws to help get themselves over the fence. (ranch owners often install roll bars on top of fences) anyway.... this coyote could reach the top of a 6 ft high fence with its front paws? that's one gigantic coyote! can anyone clarify?

You'll want to stay in Freeport because we aren't very friendly here, according to Wheaton Watcher. LOL! Not all Wheaton residents are nasty Shawn.

Starry, you have a lot to say about how great you are with your military service and your college education, and then when someone like Major Tom mentions his, you talk about this not being a contest before paying him a backhanded "thank you" for his service. You obviously don't understand the meaning of the word honor among military folks or you wouldn't have done that. And as for the rest of your rant, nothing says intelligence like lapsing into profane and self-serving rhetoric. Personally, I always worry some about people who mouth off about how smart they are and what a great leader they are. I think anyone who is familiar with the military has heard a few stories about "leaders" like you who ended up getting folks killed because they were trying to prove what great leaders they were when in fact they were reckless loud-mouths with delusions of greatness. So save your nonsense; we have plenty of real leaders right here in Wheaton who can debate this matter and settle on a course of action in a reasonable manner.

Thanks for the great comments, Unheard! I wonder what everyone would do in a wilder area, too! Guess they would probably just scorch the earth for fifty miles in every directions and call it a day.

Alan, I doubt that Starry will use any of your advice and resource numbers. I'm thinking that it may be telling that Wheaton has so many counseling centers--it's not exactly a huge city. I bet those dang coyotes urinated in the water supply and it's making folks around here a mite jumpy.

Vincent and Alan, it is so nice to see your posts. In my humble opinion, Sparky, oops, I mean Starry is dangerously unbalanced-and that's putting it kindly. I hope to god he ends up seeing that counselor, as we will all be much, much safer! M.K. I hope you consider a session or two yourself-and how dare you tell Alan to "stop?" What happened to freedom of speech? Julie, I like your question about the fence. I was wondering the same thing myself. Sounds a little suspicious huh?

I think Vincent, Alan, Unheard, and Wheaton Watcher are one in the same people. Since people don't have to say who they really are on Wheaton Patch... like me, I don't think that they are separate people, since they have the same rant. They bully, degrade, and judge equally... all over a coyote issue. How sad. Don't move to Wheaton if you ever considered it. It isn't safe here. You might end up shooting an unintended varmint Shawn. Thanks again for your service for our country. Major Tom too!

it was an honor to have worn air force blue. my dad came from greece for the freedom in the usa and told me there is a price for it. that's one ofmthe reasons i served. the hardest times were hearing taps for some of my troops.

MK, much to your dismay, Vincent, Alan, Wheaton Watcher and I are not the same person. Most, if not all of us simply completely disagree with you. Did you think of that possibility? And how in the world do you have the nerve to say that we are bully's when you chose to write to Alan "stop your harassment and judgement on Shawn. Stop." When you tell others not to speak about someone or something, that is deemed bullying. Maybe I need to be clear. We ALL have a right to disagree with you just as you choose to disagree with us and yes, that means that MANY people disagree with you on this issue, some of whom live in Wheaton.

Alan I completely agree with your post. I live in Wheaton and have looked into this "issue" extensively for the last couple of years. What no one seems to want to hear/do is what is simple, free, kind and just makes sense. This is to watch your dogs on your own property or not, fence or not. This is listed on the city website because it is effective. I am so fed up with the talk of hunters, trappers, etc. and everyone completely ignoring something simple and free that works! Notice that they never respond to this fact? I wonder how some of these people get through life when they can't do something that is so basic. I hope at some point they will at least stay on topic-we'll see.

chrisrus, you don't get to tell the coyotes how to behave now do you? Nor do you have the authority to tell other people how to behave. Again, you are using your very own words against yourself and I would love to know why. You posted before that the city website tells people to watch their pets even in their own yard. I agree with this as it is true. In fact those who are wise are keeping their pets on leashes even in their own yards since this simple, free and safe action will end the "problem" coyote issue, once and for all. THAT IS ALL ONE HAS TO DO! I never once said that people should simply "stand out back with the dog." Please recheck, if you would like. If you walk your dog on a leash, hazing is completely unnecessary as you posted yourself (and it's also on the website.) as they avoid humans. As for children being attacked in any way, shape or form evidently you missed Vincent's posting. This has been verified and I will kindly remind you what it is: "Our country is 3 1/2 million square miles in area and is populated by a bit over 300 million people. One should consider that in the same breath as the roughly 160 coyote attacks over the past THIRTY YEARS and one will come to the conclusion that such an incident, though tragic in any event, is exceedingly rare. Or one could conclude that the average Wheatonite is given to delusional hysteria over nonsense. Either conclusion is equally valid."

MK, I don't understand you at all! First, you seem perplexed that more than one person on the face of the Earth disagrees with you, so you imagine that we are all the same person? Please imagine that the world consists of thousands, if not millions, of people who don't agree with you on one subject or another, and that's okay as long as they're being reasonable. I'm aware that the same holds true for me and everyone else on this site. Secondly, why are you saying that Wheaton isn't a friendly city and that Starry and others should stay away from here? Considering all that has been written here, wouldn't you agree that a majority of us should stay away from Freeport, since we know of at least one angry, openly hostile individual there who obviously is just itching to use a gun on something there? I'd say that since most of us making comments are wanting to avoid shooting and trapping things, that Wheaton might be a pretty safe bet for anyone. I would suggest that the only folks who are in fear of being shot in Wheaton are the ones who don't want to shoot and/or trap coyotes. So you and Starry should be just fine in Wheaton because even if we don't agree with you, or even like you, we're not of the mind to harm folks or creatures of any sort.

Thanks for the great comments Unheard, Alan and Wheaton Watcher! I like Unheard bringing this all back around to the original point--mind your children and pets.

Crissrus, are you kidding me? In this town I doubt you need to tell anyone to practice hazing--one glimpse of a coyote will send a Wheatonite into such a hysterical fit that it would probably have to seek coyote therapy to get over the ruckus. Do you really think you need to get our hazing pledge in writing? Even those of us that don't want coyotes to be needlessly slaughtered aren't going to invite them in for tea.

Tim it seems to all of us that Alan simply told you the truth, something you don't want to hear. I hope you have the good sense to apologize to him. Your vile response shows that Alan is right, please get some counseling.

I'm out. There is no dignity or respect here among fools.

MK When you have dignity and respect for yourself, please join us again. That's where you begin to respect others and not simply call them names like "fools."

In this world mother nature has always rid us of the weak sick and unintelligent is it government job to protect them/us? A coyote has the same concern sick get injured or be stupid mom nature will do her thing

Hmmmm. Maybe new mascots are in order, given the rift in Wheaton over wildlife.

Wheaton Warrenville South "Coyotes"
Wheaton North "Townsmen"

Tim your comment was removed because it violated our terms of use. Thank you to everyone who can comment without profanity. Let's try to keep it that way.

Understand alan but would a yote take easy meal or meal protected by superior force or obstacle? He does have a choice

c yote, are you like a... zen coyote? Or is this a variation on the old Star Wars line, "Who more of a fool? The fool or the fool who follows him?" That would make you Obi-Wan Coyote? I must say that this is a nice change after two days of things around here getting Coyote Ugly!

Vincent that post was hysterical! I don't know what's in the air tonight-is there a full moon? Isn't it sometimes called a coyote moon? Hope the moon, I mean mood stays light here.

Keeping dogs on leash is a good idea because it not only greatly reduces the chance of a dog being attacked but also can keep the dog from being carried off and therefore gives the dog-walker a chance to save the dog. Of course, there's a good chance that the person will be bitten in such a situation.

However, you should not tell people that all they have to do is keep their dog on a leash and then we will have nothing to worry about. I was able after just a few moments to find many cases of on-leash dogs being attacked. Here are two from the California study by Timm, et. al.:

July 2001 Encinitas Coyote attacked and took dog, while it was being walked on leash by woman. (4 PM)
Aug. 2001 Irvine Woman walking poodle on leash bitten by coyote while attempting to remove dog from coyote’s mouth. (4:30 PM)

Here are a couple of news reports:
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/falk-302961-coyote-dog.html

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/12/21/2854886/coyote-sightings-attacks-continue.html
“Traps have been set out after an elderly woman was walking her small, mixed-breed dog on a leash around 10 a.m. on Saturday on Avenida Majorca and a coyote began attacking the dog…the woman tried to wrestle the dog away and was bitten in the scuffle…"

From the blogosphere comes this discussion of repeated on-leash attacks in Seattle:
http://westseattleblog.com/2012/06/federal-coyote-hunter-in-west-seattle-fact-finding-mission-says-boss

chrisrus, of course you are right! It just isn't possible that so many people would disagree with YOU! I'm the sock-puppet master who tries to convince people like you, MK, Bonifide, Starry and others (who all happen to be individuals and not just the alter-egos of YOU--because, after all, everyone who agrees with you is a real person, only those who don't are pretend people) that coyotes shouldn't be hated and feared. I'm also a master of disguise and posed as all of the dozens of people who showed up for the city council meeting two years ago to protest the culling proposal. You're just too clever for me to keep up this charade, though!
Have you ever listened to yourself, I wonder!

chrisus, and everyone. I refuse to engage this convo anylonger. what I have suggested, is a suggestion. if I didnt care, I would of ignored this altogethor. I truly have compassion, for everyone. and since sone people want to verbally bully me, karma. But as I said, I can lead a horse to the water, but cant force it to drink the water. Ive have akong with others sought a solution or two. I will apologuze for my outburst.If Wheaton has refused belp from dnr abd any outside help, ill be praying for all of you. Gods grace will prevail, and ignorace has no borders. Major Tom I am honoring your service. i try to honor all my brothers, by living my life with courage, and honor everyday. Semper Fidelis.

When my husband was 8 years old, his dog was attacked and killed by another dog while he was walking it. We have a few large dogs in our neighborhood that sometimes get loose and although they have never harmed anyone, my husband isn't thrilled about it. We live in an area where dogs have been dumped, too. Because of these situations, we had a 4 ft fence installed a few years ago. Now, I'm reading that coyotes are climbing 6 ft high fences? --And, I have to walk my dog on a leash in my own fenced yard? Are you kidding me? My dogs NEED to run and release energy. They get really annoying when they don't get exercise and playing ball in my basement only works for 2 or 3 days, tops.

I wonder if the large barrier wall installed along Butterfield Road has anything to do with the increased incidents and sightings. They can't easily travel to the south side of Butterfield now.

This is incredibly frustrating. We have lived in Wheaton since our oldest child was 8 months old. We had planned on living here forever. If we have to walk (and run!) our dogs on a leash, we might as well go back to the city and sell one of the cars when our youngest goes to college in a few years.

The other option we are considering is putting up a sturdy, 8 ft fence. If wheaton and dupage county (we live in unincorporated wheaton) aren't going to do anything about controlling the coyote population, we have to do what we need to do to keep our dogs safe.

Chrisrus, here is the thing that confuses me: I say that there is a hysteria in Wheaton over coyotes. You contend that I'm the hysterical one, but I'm not frothing at the mouth over an unlikely hypothetical situation. I'm frustrated and angry that coyotes may be needlessly killed, but I'm not hysterically declaring that if such a thing happens coyotes will cease to exist, upsetting the balance of nature and bringing life as we know it to an end. That type of snow-balling thinking is hysteria based and causes injustices to be done. I too come from country where people went out and hunted to supplement their diet and trapped animals for furs to supplement their income. I saw these dead animals hanging in garages, in various stages of being dressed and the pelts that would put a few dollars a piece into the pocket of someone who desperately needed money. At this point, our experience parts ways: you found that animals being killed is no big deal, as you put it, and I came away with a distaste for the whole thing. My grandfather, who had hunted in the past, gave me a BB gun when I was old enough to have one, and he said to me, "I don't want you to shoot any animals because I can tell you one thing for sure, they're a whole lot prettier alive." So there you have it, I just think that animals are prettier alive than dead. People, too. I just don't think that killing the coyotes will only satisfy a taste for revenge on a creature incapable of malice, unlike ourselves.

Chrisrus I am simply confused at your comments at this point. Here's why: You first said that "keeping dog's on a leash won't help." Later you say "you are right though, that we all have to keep them on leashes in our own fenced back yards as well." You said that you want the city to trap and in another post "for me it is no big deal to trap animals." Then later, you say "hopefully we won't have to call in a trapper, if we all do our part." At the same time, you are accusing us of "misrepresentations." I pointed out Vincent's statistic about Our country is 3 1/2 million square miles in area and is populated by a bit over 300 million people. One should consider that in the same breath as the roughly 160 coyote attacks over the past thirty years. I didn't mention at the time that of the 160 attacks, only TWO were deaths-which though unfortunate is an ASTOUNDINGLY low number. Then you respond by posting links in California, Oregon, Seattle, and N.Carolina-nothing even in the Mid-West, let alone Illinois yet, you accuse me of "misrepresenting." The gist is, though I suspect I annoy you-I have remained consistent. The reason is I have read the entire link on the Wheaton website. Honestly, I find it unfortunate that the city had to go to the trouble to post it. Sadly, they know they have to have a plan for those who won't keep their pets on leashes-you just posted about a man in his yard, pet on leash and... the coyote didn't attack, did it? so.. it works! They want food, not us!

Vincent, I agree. I have seen two coyotes in the past four years in Wheaton and they were moving so quickly away from me, I couldn't catch them if I'd tried. They are extremely fearful of people. (Who could blame them!) Also, what your grandfather said is so true- they are ALL far prettier alive! Some thing you might find interesting as well: Only four percent of the population hunts at all now-as in ever. Hopefully many more children are being raised with the same healthy attitude as your grandfather! I believe the city has to discuss hazing since they know in any group there will always be those who can't do the first, simple thing, in this case, keep their pets on leashes.

Julie, first, I am sorry to hear about your husband's experience when he was 8 years old. I would think that must have been very traumatic! We faced this same coyote "issue" in Wheaton a couple of years ago. If interested, the Herald site has a lot about it, though you have to go back quite a bit, as it was about two and a half years ago. The city found the only way to prevent attacks is, indeed, to keep pets on a leash even in our own yards. After all, pets are often bit by snakes and other animals (and have been for years) and sadly, sometimes die from such bites, since the owners are unaware of it if they are not monitored. Hunting/trapping is very ineffective, long story short, it was attempted despite many citizens pleas not to, and has resulted in an increase of coyotes since they then simply procreate more. In fact, numerous environmentalist tried to tell the city that this is exactly what would happen, there would be an increase in their population in... you guessed it.. about two years. This is unfortunate for many reasons. Sadly, many are hit by cars and obviously die a traumatic death, which no reasonable person want's. The good news is that they want NOTHING to do with humans so monitoring them is very effective!

Vincent the moon is full so my friends and i are thinking of a music video a bit of howling and spooky things for the up coming holiday :-)

See this yahoo video about coyotes.

http://news.yahoo.com/video/coyotes-overtake-abandoned-florida-mansion-193000658.html

Thank you for the kind words. Yes, my husband still hates and fears German Shephard's to this day!

If you go to google maps and type in "Butterfield Orchard Intersection Wheaton", switch to satellite view and zoom in on the north west corner of the intersection, you will see a large wooded and wetland area that coyotes frequent. You can see the reeds trampled down.

We didn't have an issue with coyotes until about 4 years ago. We used to see deer, raccoons and possums, now, we only see coyotes and we see and hear them often. I have watched coyotes (2 at a time) chase rabbits, coyotes sitting out in the sun... I have watched a coyote come up to my fence and take a dump and I have watched a coyote mark on a tree 2 feet from my fence line. I have seen them crossing the street, sitting next to the light pole at butterfield and orchard... the list goes on and on!

I have filled out reports at the wheaton website..I have had a reporter ring my doorbell for an interview. My whole family watched an injured coyote stop in the intersection of Illinois and Main (by the old hubble middle school) and squat like it was pooping but it had intestines hanging out of its butt, dragging across the ground. We called 911 that time.

Every 2 or 3 weeks, when sirens travel down butterfield, the coyotes howl along. I've tried to record it but my dogs always start barking and drown out the audio.

It's getting out of control and something needs to be done.

True story:
Once there was a little girl named Pamwho was the most popular girl in the world.
She got to star in TV shows and everyone loved her because she was so pretty, smart, talented, funny, and wonderful.
But as she got older Pam was quite forgotten.
Pam felt sad, but she loved animals and had lots of time and money and wanted to help them. She met a man named Mike who shared her feelings and they fell in love.

Now this was in the LA area after the outbreak of coyote attacks that culminated in the death of little Kelly Keen.
Mike convinced Pam that the Kelly Keen attack was a lie and that Kelly’s parents must have killed her instead, and so the local regular culling of coyotes could be stopped if they just protested at the city council meeting and all the innocent coyotes could be saved.
So covered in fake blood, holding signs, and shouting, Pam accused Kelly’s poor grieving parents of murder in front of everyone.
Soon afterwards, it was found that Mike’s evidence was false and Kelly had indeed died of a coyote attack, but Pam wouldn’t believe it, because poor innocent coyotes would never do such a thing.
All the people were aghast at Pam’s refusal to accept evidence and the terrible salt she was rubbing into the wounds of Kelly’s poor mom and dad.
So in this way, the most popular girl in the world who just loved nature and animals and wanted to protect them became a hated and despised pariah ashamed to show her face in public.

chrisrus at this point you have confused everyone, not just me. I am now certain that you are well, for lack of a better term, playing with us. After all, you actually just posted a link where a woman sees a coyote and purposefully walks her dog right past it twice. At one point, the coyote sees the dog approaching and sits! Then you talk about the importance of leashes. So, again we are slowly working our way back to the conclusion that you won't be content until they are shot, trapped or at the very least, hazed. Again you say in regard to people being in danger "you are right, the chances of anyone being attacked is slim." To which I say... Two people in America in thirty years-verified. I must say if after knowing this you are STILL afraid well, a counselor would call that paranoia. Have you noticed all the signs on Naper and Butterfield Rds. warning drivers not to text. I really hate that the city has to post this but if you want something to worry about, worry about that-not coyotes! And trapping again-your sentence ends "coyote problems have not reoccured for at least two years." May I respectfully remind you that I have said this all along!!! The city culled/trapped two years ago-completely verifiable. Why do you seem to find fault in everything I post, then say I am correct? Here's a thought-We have no special "magic" about us meaning, if the city felt you were right about culling-THEY WOULD. Notice THEY AREN'T. Why? It won't work. THEY TRIED ALREADY. Any NEW ideas?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEZTaHyoQtA&feature=related

This video shows exactly how "chicken" coyotes are.

Julie, it is so nice to see you post since you strike me at intelligent and also as someone who is looking for a solution but, as kind of one as possible. You have probably noticed that many posting on this site have ulterior motives. Astoundingly, some are actually looking for blood shed! Did they tell you when you contacted the city that culling was attempted two and a half years ago? Possibly not, since this has now become a part of history they would rather forget, since it won't work. As for the forest preserves, did you notice that there is never an attack of any kind there? Some people wonder why this is with so many people there every day and many walking dogs. The answer is oddly simple. Coyotes don't like people and especially if your dog is on a leash, it will be fine. In fact, if you simply approach any coming near or in your yard, they will head for the hills. That's why the city posts so prominently on the first page to keep your dog on a leash, they know it works! I realize I am repeating but if you are looking for honest advice, there it is. I have also noticed that though he can be very funny at times, Vincent is intelligent and has good advice so, I personally look twice at his postings. Believe me, I have no trouble complaining about the city of Wheaton but, in this instance, there truly is nothing more that they can do! I hope this helps, at least a little.

chrisrus, though I am going back in time a bit I feel it's important to reassure you that no, I don't know the other people posting here. On another subject, I think it would be nice if some people who live every day around bears and other truly wild animals would post for perspective. After all, how many people are bit and even killed by dogs everyday? I simply think if you used your time and energy on other issues you could really make a difference as I appreciate your determination.

chrisrus it's gotten to the point that I have no choice, I have to say to you what we all said to shawn starry. Ready? We do not live in California. We are in Wheaton Illinois. Do you understand that yet?

Chrisrus, just one more simple reminder for you. We are in Wheaton Illinois. Not California, Oregon, Seattle, North Carolina or all of the other places you love to waste precious time "discussing." Again, Wheaton, Illinois. I see this has become an enormous struggle for you to comprehend!

chrisrus it is sooo nice of you to keep posting the removal button to the city website and stress how much you dislike culling, often even in the same post! What a hypocrite!! I think others reading these posts are probably able to find it all by themselves though. I really don't think they need your "help." Do you really think others are that stupid?

True story:
Today there is a poster-will call them c.
Posting about kelly keen. Kelly keen exists on wiki.
Wiki says what unheard, vincent , mike, etc. says but, c listens to no one!!!
One child killed-ever-tragic? Absolutely!! But, you see, c is so paranoid!!!
c even likes to frighten others in Wheaton Illinois, and elsewhere!!!!
No one knows why.
c probably hides in the house, after all, bigfoot might be approaching!!!
Will c stop terrorizing others, get the counseling they so desperately need?
Sadly, I guess we all still have to wait and see the end to this story.

Can anyone tell me why chrisrus continues to post ONE IN A MILLION stories? I am not even exaggerating, they are literally one in a million!!! (Please check for yourself!!) Obviously, these in no way help her case! My only thought so far is that he/she is either quite "unbalanced" or actually enjoying trying to frighten others, somehow feeling that this is working. When called out on the ONE IN A MILLION fact he/she still continues. Very unusual, wouldn't you agree? Very sad too!!!

I agree, Unheard! But what do I know, I'm a sock-puppet!

Many have used studies to make a point here think i will try my paw at it. In wisc. And minnisota they found when deer population went down so did the wolves so if everyone in wheaton takes two week vacation leaves town maybe the coyotes will move to winfield or glen ellyn also the wolves preyed. On sick weak and unintelligent so get a flu shot join a gym and stay in school and survive. :-)

There once was a man named Quixote,
Who lived in Wheaton and sampled peyote,
So upset by the flack of a few dog attacks,
He tilted windmills thinking they were coyotes.

Decided to try something a little different... Change things up a bit... Our usual material consists of:
--We don't need to cull coyotes; let nature take its course.
--The coyotes are poised for attack! Circle the wagons and arm yourselves!
--We don't need to worry about the coyotes. They rarely pose a threat to anyone, so let nature take its course.
--Well, once upon a time, someone named Doufus lived in East Jahunga, a small territory just south of Santa's Workshop--8 sq. miles with a population of 12, 8 in the off-season--and Doufus was walking his super-duper pekingese, who was known the world over, and they both happened to have raw meat hanging out of their pockets, when coyotes ambushed them as they came around a snowbank. Now if that person and dog can be attacked in so unlikely a place, how can we be sure that WE'RE not going to be attacked?
--Just forget about the coyotes.
--But once, 100,000 years ago when the first coyote evolved out of a glob that crawled out of the primordial ooze that the world once was, the first thing it did was attack the first thing it saw--the prehistoric dog-thing walked by the prehistoric man-thing, both of which were just minding their own business.

At this point, I think I'm about to just say, "Whatever."

I have been known as a yote in puppy clothing

To all who doubt the effectiveness of trapping and such, read "Management of Conflicts Between Urban Coyotes and Humans in Southern California" by Baker and Timm http://escholarship.org/uc/item/8t72j0ts

Cases in which dangerous coyote habituation was reversed include:

"Laguna Nigel, Orange County, 1995. These problems started after coyotes were observed for several months on streets and in yards, in daylight and evening hours, and followed numerous attacks on pets. Coyotes....commonly roamed the streets on trash collection day. After the two human bite cases, seven coyotes were removed by trapping. There have been no subsequent reports of human attacks or harassment. Occasional sightings of coyotes have been made at night recently, but they are still very wary of humans...."

Let's start here chrisrus. Everyone doubts you. Have you read any of the above posts? Who do you see agreeing with you here lately?

chrisrus,I am wondering if you even live in Wheaton? Do you know who Mayor Gresk or Peter Roskam are? Have you ever spoken to them directly? Do you know what happened here when the city of Wheaton previously tried culling? Finally, doesn't it make any sense at all to you that if trapping worked, that is what they would do? Direct answers would be appreciated!

chrisrus, you wrote "my point in bringing these facts up was merely to refute your assertion that coyotes never attack children." I have said many times that in my opinion, trying to scare people by repeatedly bringing this up is useless. You agreed that 2 children have died in the entire country in the past 35 years!! Yes, sad but, do you have any idea how many children suffer from the abuse of people? Or that you are taking a far greater risk simply driving your car? This shows that your are either trying to frighten people on purpose, which is disturbing to me or you are paranoid, which is also disturbing. Remember you agreed, (see above) that 2 only children have been killed by coyotes in 35 years. Please respond to this specifically, as you asked for me to respond specifically.

chrisrus I should add that if your response has anything to do with coyotes becoming more used to people, or all of the numerous other excuses you have voiced in the past, that simply doesn't suffice as the FACTS-TWO in 35 years are just that-facts. Not speculation. Not surmising, not maybe. Simple numbers. Not postings that show that a coyote approached people, got too close, etc. See, those don't count now, do they?

crisrus, you specifically asked me why I think we should focus only on Wheaton. The answer is simple. Of the 165 attacks in the past 35 years-of which only two resulted in death, none were even close to the mid-west, let alone Illinois or even more specifically, Wheaton, Il. They were in California, Oregon, etc. COMPLETELY different terrain, climate, etc. I am sure we can find things we would like to change/fix about Illinois but, I don't think this should be a priority since it hasn't even happened anywhere in the Mid-West yet! Right? When you hear about a death in Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, etc. let me know and I might think a little about it but until then all I can say is that yes, if that's your worry, just maybe you're a little paranoid. I feel I should stress again that talk of coyotes becoming "bolder" is almost impossible to scientifically define. In so many ways they are like dogs. Though you may cringe, people in some areas out West simply feed them and off they go, happily. To me, that may be considered "bold" but others would say as long as no one is hurt, where's the harm?

Great posts, Unheard! Each of these situations needs to be viewed individually, data collected and analyzed before making any plans. And even so, does the plan have to go from "There is a problem..." to "They must be culled..."? Evidently, in some Wheatonite's view that is indeed the case, but then I remind myself that this is also the city that spent money to rid a Wheaton park of nuisance geese, hiring a person/dog team to chase the geese away. The man canoed across the pond, while his dog kept pace along the shore path. Wonder how much THAT cost? For GEESE! What will be next? Nuisance chipmunks? Squirrels? How about those pesty songbirds that wake us up early on a Sunday morning? And every time that a nuisance animal is so labeled, the first talk is about culling it--meaning killing it--and only after enough people stand up and say, "No, that's completely unnecessary" do other options get explored. We're people, for Pete's sake, we can figure out better ways to handle problems other than trying to kill them, which hasn't worked very well in the past, has it?
Clearly, there is some other motive behind all this and I suspect that it's a matter of a few Wheatonites who are not going to be satisfied until they've played Shylock and collected their "pound of flesh" for the attacks on the dogs.

Okay, so I'm on a rant now... But, chrisrus, one of the things that really bugs me about all this talk regarding the coyote "problem" and culling nonsense--besides that it's a completely unnecessary measure over a few coyote attacks and it won't bring the poor dogs back and it won't get rid of the coyote "problem"--is the time it takes away from REAL problems. You want to talk about predators, chrisrus? How about the four sex offenders/predators who live within a mile or so of that coyote-ridden intersection of Butterfield and Orchard? How about the five attempted abductions of children around various schools and libraries, some of which may be the same person though the vehicle descriptions all vary? These predators aren't just animals acting on instinct; these are predators acting on their twisted, decidedly unnatural desire to victimize children, and stalking about the town attempting to find such a child. This has been going on for two years--last year there were six or seven such reports, again from various locations. So, no, I'm not worried about the coyotes much, because these other creatures pose a far greater and realistic threat, particularly to children, than any coyote. That's what everybody should really be focusing on at this point.

Vincent, I completely agree with your entire post. Whenever there are many mixed messages in a post, or numerous posts, it merits a certain suspicion and is often an indication that something underhanded is happening. Anyhow, on to a new subject, I wonder if many people realize just how cruel traps are. I understand that most are so strong that they break the coyotes foot. They are obviously in unfathomable pain and sometimes have to wait for days until the hunter finds them. Then, when they see the hunter they are wary but hopeful that they will be helped but... then the hunter kills them. This is if they don't bite or try to bite off their paw first to get loose. Nice way to treat a creature that was simply trying to eat huh?

Vincent, I am going to go so far as to say brilliant post! This is exactly what bothers me so much about these posts. I can't believe when there are so many people looking for children to abuse that people have the gall to worry about coyotes. Where are their priorities? Can they prioritize at all? You ask them to walk their dog on a leash and they act as if you're asking them to move mountains. Truthfully, I feel sorry for their children if such simple tasks are such an enormous effort for them!

I, too, feel sorry for the children of today. They suffer from helicopter parents who worry about every test grade but reserve the option of ignoring them so that they become the victim of a predator or even, in rare cases, a coyote. The world today is filled with people who want nothing more than to eliminate anything that might in the slightest way inconvenience them and they'd happily cull every last animal and human being that infringed on their time in anyway, robbing them of valuable cellphone, smartphone, tablet, laptop time to converse with their virtual friends.

chrirus if you still can't understand why we are moving on to other subjects, let me help. It's because there is no problem. As informed people, we have paid attention to your posts, studied your links. Including the Wheaton site along with California and the numerous other sites you have posted-often they verify what we are saying, You, in turn seem to be completely unaware of this being an issue in the past though, despite that, are certain you have every answer. Therein lies the problem. You simply want us all to say that you are right. Despite 2 deaths in 35 years. Despite our practice of due diligence, despite everything we attempted to kindly, at least at first, tell you. We're all wrong but you, as simply one individual are right. Then, when we all realize your not "playing with a full deck" you have the gall to decide to post that we can't discuss other subjects? Who made you the decision maker of that plan? Are you going to post links to "prove it." Or.... Maybe you're just upset because Vincent's right. We have a whole lot more to worry about in Wheaton than coyotes!! (Including human predators.)

chirsrus I think most people reading this don't think that many trappers spend money and time on "humane" traps. I know I wouldn't want to try one. Are you going to volunteer? So, yet again, Vincent, thank you for your honesty and common sense. Chrisrus, have you also learned yet that even if trapped and removed humanely (For the one in a million times that happens.) guess what? The coyotes return to the very spot they were trapped in so... we'll be right back to where we started! This has been one major point from the beginning-intelligent individuals look for LONG TERM SOLUTIONS. Not lets trap/kill them, then wonder why they are back/not going away solutions!!! If someone from another country glares at you once, do you start a war? Jeez, do you even see the irony here? If you want to trap I will simply sit back and when there are more later, trust me, not a shadow of a doubt there will be-even California says so-and try not to say "told you so!!!" See, the city even knows at least that much, that is why they won't do it themselves!!!! And we don't pay for it. All they are doing is posting names because by law, idiots do have a right to call in a trapper if they want to make the problem worse.Is it all making sense to you yet? I ask you directly again if you are so sure you are right, why isn't Wheaton doing what you want. Hmmmm It's because your wrong, as that is about all that makes sense. What's stopping them. A direct answer to that would be appreciated.

chrisrus, I have already told you what happened before. About two and a half years ago the city hired a trapper that we paid for with our tax money. People were irate about this, since newer education/knowledge had shown it wouldn't work and.... it didn't... as here we are discussing it again-with more coyotes than before, just as was reported would happen, in about two years. Imagine that!!! I can't post the whole story as that would take all day soo once again, I recommend looking in the archives of the Herald newspaper for more details.

Great posts, Unheard! I love the point about people in another county glaring and it starting a war. Somehow, that tickled me, particularly in conjunction with coyotes.

chrisrus, I've read the bleeding paper! Can I make this any more clear? I HAVE READ THE PAPER. THE PAPER, I HAVE READ. READ, I HAVE, THE PAPER. And I suspect that Unheard has read the paper, too, considering Unheard's responses. The points that you don't seem to acknowledge about the paper are that there are various other means of driving off the throngs of coyotes that plague Wheaton (or plague at least your area of Wheaton, or perhaps just plague your mind); that all other means of behavior modification should be exhausted prior to more extreme measures are taken; trapping isn't a permanent solution to the situation because its results are temporary, lasting as little as two years. This is what Unheard has been saying very directly all along; it's also what Alan, Christopher, Wheaton Watcher and I have also been saying. (Oh, that's right, we're all sock-puppets according to you--silly me!) You don't want to acknowledge those parts of the paper, because those aren't the bits that get you to the killing part. You want the coyotes killed, call the city, hire a trapper, go out and stalk them yourself and kill them with your bare hands if that's what you want. Just don't expect us to applaud your for your efforts.

And, chrisrus, as for your humane traps: I don't find anything humane about trapping an animal with the intent to kill it. Again, having read your paper, I researched the specified trap and found it listed on several sites. One site particularly amused me because it was called Wildlife Control Supplies and it's logo is a wolf (or a coyote) howling at the moon; considering their wares, I found that to be rather ironic. Nonetheless, the trap is padded with rubber, etc, etc, thus supposedly making it more humane, but the purpose of the trap is still to capture an animal until someone can come along to kill it. The end result is the same as with the less humane trap, so in my mind there isn't much distinction between the two. My contention all along, and that of several others, is that the trapping is unnecessary. A kinder death trap isn't the answer in my mind, but as Tom Waits pointed out, "If there's one thing you can say about mankind, there's nothing kind about man." Applying that to the entire species might be a bit over-reaching, but there is a hint of truth to it.

chrisrus, once again you have taken away your own message from what I wrote. The point I was making--and in the future I will make it a point to spell these things out more clearly in Romper Room type prose--is that the traps, being inhumane regardless of being padded, may be an outdated mode of dealing with situations in the twenty-first century. Perhaps with all the advancement of thought and technology we should start to figure out other ways of dealing with coyote situations and other similar situations. But all you took away from my post is that we should figure out better ways to trap and kill coyotes. I think that speaks volumes about your mentality.

No chrisrus, I remember it clearly. All you have to do is go to the daily herald site and in the search engine type "wheaton coyotes" then go to the last page and you should be in the year 2010. Simple as pie. Better yet, go to wheaton.il.us then move your mouse over government which will bring up "city council and mayor" click into that then under city council meetings click on the highlighted "view these videos online." All you have to do then is go to the meetings from 2010 and you will see many meetings regarding the coyote "issues" including the screaming, lunatic woman who almost got kicked out and was a large part of causing all of this nonsense. I can't be any more specific than that and this will hopefully reassure you that my memory is just fine, thanks!

Great posts again tonight Vincent! Wow!!

chrisrus traps are not humane. We are done with the subject of trapping. When you are mayor someday and you have to decide how to make sound-minded decisions and where the money should go and you choose to take away resources in order to cull coyotes because... they are such a problem for you, then go ahead. However, whatever will you say when the police say..but chrisrus, don't you see that we have pedophiles to catch!!! We have domestic abuse victims to protect and what about crimes involving drugs and alcohol? Let's just start there. Do you think they're going to care one iota about your coyote concerns? Do you think your all important paper from CALIFORNIA from let's see, about TEN YEARS AGO-completely outdated-will change their minds? Somehow, I highly doubt it!!!

Yes, thank you for the research help. I had already received this email earlier.

"Hi (Name Redacted),

Thanks for your inquiry. You could search our site from the Search option; results will be: http://www.wheaton.il.us/search/default.aspx?q=coyote For videos, the easiest way to find any related items is to go to this page and do a search (Search Archives field): http://www.wheaton.il.us/video.aspx. Using “coyote” should return three results. Let me know if you need any more assistance, Gary WhiteCommunications ManagerCity of Wheaton, IL303 W. Wesley St.Wheaton. IL 60187-0727630-260-2190www.wheaton.il.us@CityOfWheaton on Twitter"

A good public servant. By this method, I found
1. City Council Meeting 11-15-10 A Resolution Approving the Establishment of a Wheaton Coyote Policy
2. Planning Session 11-8-10 City of Wheaton Coyote Policy-Draft
3. Wheaton Weekly November 23 - 29 Item: Coyote Alert

I watched them all. I was disappointed, however, not to have found the meeting at which members of the public made some comments that disturbed you. Were you able to find that meeting on your end? I don't doubt that people were upset there, but the tone of these three videos is very calm and rational and informed and almost everything seemed to agree with what I've been saying. I found no one there who seemed to agree with you that the whole thing is just a case of hysteria and there is no reason for concern.

chrisrus, almost no one seems, seems being your key word, not mine, agrees with what your saying and keep in mind these were from two years ago, not today. If you missed the lunatic, in my opinion, spouting off at the meeting about her precious dog who was outside alone, evidently that tape was removed but, I suspect you just don't want to discuss the tapes that don't prove your point which, you are certain is always completely valid. How about the daily herald and numerous other places, which I don't have time to post, that agree with what we, to no avail, are trying to say to you?

I intend to ask you one more time and, am hoping to finally see you post a direct answer. If deemed necessary, Wheaton has the ability to hire as many trappers as they would like to. So.... since they aren't, why do you think that is? Doesn't it mean that you are wrong? Wouldn't that make the most sense?

Chrisrus as for them inventing better things all the time, including traps... Traps are used to capture animals simply trying to eat, and then killing them. Why in the world do you think trappers are worried about being kind to animals, in any regard? They only invented supposedly "humane" traps and-make no mistake- they're not "humane" because of the horrendous numbers of house pets like dogs, cats and even children getting caught in them!!! Though you have made it clear that you don't like to stray from the subject, even when it applies, I can also provide you with some statistics about the vast amount of hunters who abuse human beings. Would you like to discuss that?

Professional trained trappers follow regulations and codes. And this is not some place in Utah with no one around to see what they're doing, or some guys who just go trapping as a hobby. If they want repeat business they'll do a good job, and part of that is minimizing the suffering of the quarry. They know what they are doing, and how not to catch the wrong animal or a person by the type of trap or the placement of the trap. I don't pretend to know much about trapping, but assume there are people who do know. Do you claim to know much about it? Where did you learn it, PETA or the ADL or something?

CBS/channel 2 is airing a special segment this Thursday (11/8) on the 10pm news.

I do think the coyote situation is getting out of control. I can't walk my dogs on a leash 8 times a day. Even if I could, it's not enough exercise, they need to run. For now, I go outside with them every single time they need to go out. While I'm outside, I'm not thinking about anything but coyotes! Thinking about them, listening for them and scanning the woods looking for them...thinking about how much it sucks to have to worry like I do. I wonder if my being out with them is enough of a deterrent... a 12 pound dog running ridiculously fast across a yard might be too tempting!

I don't think it's an irrational fear, either. If you look around on google for a while, you will see lots of articles that talk about the experts 'not knowing' a lot. They are surprised to find so many urban coyotes.

As for sexual predators, I feel safe saying that if you take out the registered offenders in jail and prison, there are more coyotes in the 60189 and 60187 zip codes, for sure.

Do you own a small dog, Vincent? I get the feeling you don't. If you did, and you experienced what this neighborhood does on a regular basis, you would probably be anti-coyte, too.

chrisrus I can assure you that I have not one iota of influence in the city of Wheaton. The city has determined that there is no problem or they would be culling with our taxpayers money. Sadly, they can't control uneducated idiots who choose to hire a trapper. (These dummies actually spend their own money!) These are the same people who will raise all kinds of heck later as the coyote's mate more-and they will!! They will wonder how this happened and heaven forbid you try to tell them that it was their own doing, they were warned,etc. they will only become angry and combative instead of taking a second to determine that maybe, just maybe others were right about something in one small instance.

chrisrus as for your post in the dh titled "wheaton officials halt coyote trapping program. How much do you know about politics? Ironic I am asking this tonight but, point is... what could the city possibly say in the aftermath? Something like "Though you all hated this idea from the beginning, we thought we knew better. Though you brought in coyote experts-on a side note did you know the two biggest are from Chicago?-we ignored them too and jumped the gun. (No pun intended.) No, chrisrus, that isn't how it works. They at least said one half truth which was that "complaints have diminished." This really meant.. boy did we make a mistake because now the public and jeez, even the trappers are saying.... there was no problem to begin with!!!!! Yep, animals killed for absolutely no reason and now there seem to be more!!! I keep hoping you'll consider that fact instead of focusing only on your fear.

Well, if not you then people like you in that they vociferously object to the town culling with taxpayer money.

Such name-calling makes your argument less convincing and may be a violation of the terms of service of Patch.

What makes you think anyone believes this is a perminet solution any more than cleaning our gutters? We still have to do it.

A coyote in your back yard, especially a dog-owner's yard or one with kids or other vunerable people, is not a part of nature we must live with any more than a snake in your boot, a bird in the kitchen, or a skunk setting up shop in the garage is something you can just shrug off and ignore.

You are in no position to accuse anyone of becoming angry and combatiative instead of taking a second to determine that maybe, just maybe, others were right about something in one small instance.

What would an honest trapper do chrisrus? Absolutely nothing!!! I drive on Butterfield Rd. a few times most days and guess what I don't see? Coyotes. Neither does Vincent. What about the forest preserves. No attacks there either. Why.... there is no problem. I have seen a couple of coyotes in almost five years. I attempted to approach them and they took off. They are all over the USA, to a point. Many people feed them, as they are very similar to dogs. Ninety nine percent of the time they don't even approach small dogs. Here's yet another new example. I have a few squirrels that I see every day. Same ones-can tell by their unique markings. Coyotes haven't eaten them yet and they're a primary source of their diets! Back to trappers though, they will check themselves-they shouldn't trust anyone as some people are, well, insane and simply telling a trapper that an animal is a "nuisance" would not deem it to be true so, a "reputable" trapper looks for evidence and interviews others in the area since the world is not supposed to revolve around one household. (Land rights only go so far when placing traps as I have attempted in vain to tell you how dangerous they are.) Finally, the trapper looks at terrain and various other things, including how happy people in the area are going to feel about gunfire... most people don't appreciate this unless a criminal is on their property-then they tell you no, this does not qualify as a "nuisance." If they are doing their job properly.

Julie I appreciate your mentioning the segment. On the other hand, I think for you to say to Vincent "if you experienced what this neighborhood does on a regular basis, you'd probably be anti-coyote too." My first thought was, how do you know Vincent doesn't live in your neighborhood to begin with? Also, are you anti-cat, anti-bear, anti-ant? Coyotes are simply an animal and you say you have a dog so I would think at the very least you would see that much. People are bitten by house dogs every day but we don't kill the dog if it happens. If you choose to not walk your dog on a leash that that is a choice. If your dog is attacked, you were warned. As the saying goes, you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink. And I really have to say that if you don't realize how many pedophiles there are in and around Wheaton, in jail, not in jail, etc. and you honestly believe coyotes are a bigger threat than they are well... I am struggling with how to put this kindly...you are very mistaken.

Vincent, thank you so much for posting the link with the picture of the dog, though it is heartbreaking to see. I have been thinking of posting similar pictures but didn't since I was hoping it would be unnecessary. Clearly the picture is telling. Traps are just not the answer and hopefully this will put an end to that idea!

Vincent I agree. I can't imagine why in the world people see trappers as a help. I hope they don't make them angry and that they make sure to lock the doors well when they leave. Inviting bloodthirsty individuals who have a fondness for weapons and killing into your home often isn't the smartest idea.

Here's an interesting video I found on YouTube--I think from Colorado--that shows the dangers of habituated coyotes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcJNjoLgV2U

Notice--Don't try this in Wheaton!
Ooops!
Notice--Coyotes, don't try this in Wheaton!

chrisrus that comment was not aimed (no pun intended.) solely at you. It seemed to me like you were thinking of hiring a trapper but had not yet. If you choose to that's your right, as I have never told you what to do like when you told me I had to haze, etc. but, I am simply reiterating that you can't stop coyotes from mating. Trapping simply increases their population. I have said this all along! I am saying that if you want only short-term solutions that makes me wonder why? It then sounds like you simply are wanting to kill just to kill and not because it will keep animals and people safer. Please explain your intent.

Vincent, by chance do you remember about two years ago during the "heyday" of all this nonsense the story of the man in Montgomery who shot and killed a Siberian Husky, thinking it was a coyote? Very sadly, the dog died and I never heard the outcome of that story. I know he was charged but I never got the follow-up. Thanks!

Love that link too Vincent-boy what a scary animal!! Notice how submissive the coyote is and how it takes the treat and leaves. Not a threat to any one, animal or human one iota! Adorable!!!

I have never once mentioned anything about being afraid of coyotes attacking humans. Truth is, I really don't care. I'm kind of selfish and my kids are too old to be appealing to a coyote. I don't think a pack of coyotes would attack and kill a grown adult. Well, maybe they would if the adult was walking the streets with napkins full of mutton in their pockets.

Vincent has mentioned driving through Wheaton and knowing about the stranger danger phone calls so I realize he could be a wheaton resident with a child in school. I don't think he lives in my neighborhood, though, because he said coyote sightings are rare for him but they are common here. Commonly seen and heard, especially if you go outside a lot in the evening and at night. If you talk with your direct neighbors and friends in the neighborhood, they tell you about their own sightings too.

Anyway.... This thread has run its course for me. I've said everything I've wanted to say and I don't care for 'snark' so I'm out of here. I don't think this issue is going anywhere and I'm really curious to see if it is going to blow up again.

I will do what I need to do to keep my fur babies safe. Contrary to what you might think, I HATE the idea of coyotes being killed (pups are cute) but when push comes to shove, my animals are more important to me than any wild animal. Most, if not all, dog owners would agree with me.

Vincent where do i register to vote?? Will paw print suffice for signature?

I know you aren't supposed to ask but, who here voted for coyotbama? Or coyromney?

Julie, I am happy to hear that you do not want to see coyotes killed as that is a very nice change from those who claim they don't but...really, they do! I know what you mean by "my animals," as pet owners we adore and protect our babies unconditionally. I must say, coyotes are animals too though and they shouldn't be killed! This is what really bothers me the most. When the experts, not just I, say that coyotes will only procreate more once others are killed, no one want's to hear it. This tells me they don't really want an end to their perceived coyote "problem." They only want bloodshed! I also can't believe that they even will go to the extreme of scaring people into believing their children are in danger. (You saw Vincent and others verifiable info. on how this is an outright lie.) A horrifying scare-tactic that some naive people, sadly, will believe. Just as disturbing is when people allow their paranoia and/pr fear to take over, then they start shooting anything they see-a husky was shot and killed in Montgomery and what I fear is that a person potentially could be next!! Clearly, these are people who could not survive by bears and other wild animals if they aren't even intelligent enough to understand how to live with coyotes!! Well, I have had my say too-good luck to you!

You said I was splitting hairs.

The statement “they were here before us” is only true if by the word “here” you don’t mean “Wheaton” or the areas for hundreds of miles around Wheaton. It is perfectly true to say “they were here before us” only if “here” meant “somewhere else," other than Wheaton.
That is not reasonable. The context of the statement was a Wheaton City Council member speaking at a Wheaton City Council Meeting on the topic of coyotes in Wheaton. Therefore, the statement “they were here first” is clearly false because “they” meant “Canis latrans”, “here” meant “Wheaton” and “us” meant humans. The fact is, Wheaton has been here hundreds of years before the first coyote arrived here, and “Homo sapiens” has lived in the place where Wheaton stands thousands of years before the first coyote.

They were not here first. We were here first, according to all experts. This is a point of fact. This is not a matter of opinion. It may not matter with regard to what should be done in Wheaton. In my opinion, it doesn’t matter who was here first. But no argument based on them being here first can convince if the listener knows that they were not here first and no one should knowingly make false statements, so unless you want to knowingly make false statements, don't say "They were here first." If you go to Texas or some such place and say that, nevermind, that'd be different, but not in Wheaton.

I think that I made it quite clear to anyone who can read above a six grade education that the coyotes migrated to the Chicago area about a hundred and twenty years ago, moving from the Southwest and Rocky Mountain Range. I also stated that this coyote migration was due to the reduction of wolf and other coyote predators as people killed and drove these animals out of their native areas. Coyotes, being more adaptable and prolific, were able to thrive in areas as their predators continuously declined, spreading from a strip of mountain range and into Texas, so that they now are in abundance in all of the U.S. and most of Canada.
What I meant by my statement--which I felt was clearly written enough--was that these animals have been the the U.S. longer than we have, and animals in general, most of which we've driven to the point of extinction, have been here longer than we have. Let me repeat: coyotes in Wheaton 120 years ago. There is no falsehood in this statement. You, on the other hand, contend that people have been here for thousands of years, which could be construed as a false statement. Who do you even mean? Native Americans were in this area in the 18th century, until Europeans arrived and killed/drove them out in the 19th century. Norsemen settled Greenland in the 10th century. Columbus discovered the Americas in the 15th century. See where this is going? Truth can get a bit tricky if your intent is to split hairs instead of seeking understanding.

Spin it all any way you like, chrisrus. The fact is that our species is apt to have no problem killing and forcing creatures out of "our" territory merely because we're inconvenienced by them in some way, and then trying to justify it by saying that those creatures posed a threat. Some humans would happily destroy every other life form on this planet if they could do so and not mark the cost that would have on the world. We'd be left with a lifeless planet, because we too would die. If someone suggests that a species be left alone, they're labeled a "liberal tree-hugger" and dismissed. I'm not a liberal but I do know that there is a price to be paid for screwing around with nature. We're a frightened species that doesn't recognize how frightening WE are. We were afraid of wolves and cougars, so now there are virtually no wolves or cougars in much of the U.S., and now we're stuck with the coyotes until we decide to live with them or get rid of them. Here's another thought: if Native Americans 7000-10000 years ago could contend with the native animals and thrive (until Europeans came along) without the benefit of modern technology, why can't we figure out how to? Your easy answer to this is to deplete the coyote population, though it's been shown many times not to be a long-term solution. As for the street cleaning analogy that you're so fond us, spare me--we're talking about life here, and that's not much of a comparison in my book.

chrisrus, I think it is misleading when you discuss papers since some you refer to are over ten years old. For you to say "guns are the reason we succeeded in getting rid of the wolves and pumas" is misleading too. After all, killing wolves is still debated all the time, in fact, and the vast majority think killing them is completely ignorant. (One exception is Sarah Palin.) You see, we are animals too and if we follow your line of thinking, whenever we are a "nuisance, hungry, etc. we should be shot? That is your solution? How many of us can eat until you figure we should be shot since you feel this is your right?

Vincent, great points again! Not to harp on it but, did you hear what happened to the guy in Montgomery who shot the Husky? Sadly, I'm betting a slap on the wrist. I suspect the family sued him civilly but, I am not sure.

Vincent I wonder if channel 2 news is considering a more balanced segment in the future. Spending about 30 seconds with the ASPCA and ending the newscast holding a baton was far from fair. I was shocked to see that they had the gall to put Erickson on, of all people! If that isn't unbalanced, I don't know what is. Can you believe it?

I love the post, Unheard! Wolves have always bore the brunt of human superstition and hysteria.
chrisrus, obviously you've missed your medication today or you're particularly in tune for misinterpreting nearly everything you read. I read the Urban Carnivore article and Stan Gehrt did NOT say that larger carnivores would be moving into cities unless they were stopped. He posed the question, does the coyotes success in urban areas mean that in the future larger carnivores will follow. To that question he says, "The jury's out with what's going to happen with the larger ones." You seem to have a talent for snowballing a few attacks on dogs into a full-blown animal assault on human society. I respect Stan Gehrt's and recognize that he knows more about animals than I'll learn in two lifetimes; he also is a scientist and needs to have evidence before he'll commit himself to an assertion. I admire that, too, but I think that large carnivores won't move into our cities. Large carnivores may periodically wander into urban places, but their size and their diet being less flexible than coyotes and small animals make it less than an ideal place for them to set up shop. Stan Gehrt says that the animals are more flexible than we'd originally thought and maybe he's right, but the point is, let's not assume that this will be a problem until there are more continuous sightings. No bears and wolves + 1 cougar = no current problem.

no, chrisrus, I won't "change my tune." though I know that is what you want. Do you not realize that people all over this grand country live around bears, wolves, and pumas? They do this all the time, every day. How do you think they do this? Please answer this question directly. I have learned that they simply have a common sense approach, that's all it takes. They don't shoot them. They don't trap them. Why do you think the city of Wheaton calls for "Co-existing with coyotes." They did this for a reason, not simply for our amusement. Notice co-existing. This does not mean shooting, trapping, hiding in your home out of fear. Trying to make others fearful, etc. right? I can define co-existing if you would like but I doubt that's necessary.

And, chrisrus, "rarely do we stop to appreciate the brave stone age people?" Are you SERIOUS? Well, far be it from me to not give credit where credit is due--Three cheers for the brave stone age people! Hip-hip-hurray! Hip-hip-hurray! Hip-hip-hurray! Now is that better, chrisrus? We wouldn't want to ignore the brave stone age people's contribution to ridding future societies of dangerous prehistoric creatures like mammoths, wooly rhinoceros and such. And taking nothing away from their part in history, but they didn't rid the world of these creatures, predators or otherwise; these creatures were big and needed lots of food and the environment couldn't support their needs. They were super-predators, in a sense, that outstripped their food source, similar to how we humans are going to outstrip our food supply/capacity in fifty to a hundred years from now. Short-faced bears couldn't compete with the smaller variety and went extinct about 12000 years ago, before humans migrated to what is now North America. As for Native Americans, they didn't FAIL to eradicate predatory animals because of lack of rifles--eradicating animals isn't part of their ideology. Native Americans chose to live in harmony with animals, hunting them, yes, but not seeking to wipe out a species. They hunted out of necessity for food, clothing, etc. but not for sport and not because of irrational fears. And they continued to live this way even after they had rifles.

I agree with you, Unheard! A balanced story by CBS would be very nice after the biased one the other night! By the way, never did get a follow-up on that guy who shot the husky thinking it was a coyote, but the article noted that it was illegal to discharge a firearm at a wild animal even if it is in pursuit of a free-roaming pet. Oddly, despite the coyote plague, the city didn't want bullets flying around the neighborhood--imagine that!

Yikes, I'm missing the Bears game! They're not as powerful as the short-nosed bears of yore but they're alright in my book!

You're right about the potential for them to harm you, personally. What the potential for them to harm somebody else, a person in Wheaton? "Coyote Attacks in the United States and Canada" describe a pattern indicating widespread high levels of habituation that proceeded attacks and recommend courses of action to prevent them. Compare it to the situation in Wheaton.
The analogy doesn't work; they are humans and coyotes are just animals. We can't extend the same morality toward both humans and animals. For example, by and large we reluctantly support the humane society's decision to euthanize dogs for which they have no room, exterminate rats, slaughter turkeys, do research on animals to cure human diseases, and many, many other commonly held positions which people would never hold if we were talking about human beings instead of animals.
Furthermore, as in the book "Some we hate (ex. rat), some we love (ex. dog), and some we eat (ex. pig)", we do not hold all non-human species as equal. Killing a dog, horse, whale, or panda is not the same as killing a virus, mosquito, rat, turkey, or coyote.
These judgments are hard-wired in human brains by evolution and will win out over futile attempts to apply philosophies such as "pan-speciesism" or "Deep Ecology" that sound appealing but in real world situations, over time, supra-humanist ethical systems don't work and will be abandoned despite minority fringe people like PETA and the ADL.

Vincent, I wouldn't trust half of the people on this site with kiddie scissors, let alone firearms. I can not believe the paranoia in and around Wheaton about a few dogs, aka coyotes, more or less. What in the world would they do if they had bears in their yards? Storm city hall? No, they would be too afraid to walk out the door!

chrisrus, Vincent just pointed out that you lied on the other posting, saying that Mr. Ghert said something he certainly didn't and your response to this is to post more nonsense, instead of responding to Vincent ? Do you think you can just post any lie you want and then when confronted, ignore it. post more. and hope no one notices?

Coyotes Nipping At Our Heels: A New Suburban Dilemma
Robert M. Timm, UC Hopland, California

“In the 1970s, coyote attacks on humans in urban and suburban environments began to occur, primarily in Southern California.

Such attacks have increased in number, and since the late 1980s coyote attacks on people have been reported from at least 16 additional states and 4 Canadian provinces.

Attack incidents are typically preceded by a sequence of increasingly bold coyote behaviors, including attacks on pets during daylight hours.

In suburban areas, coyotes can habituate to humans as a result of plentiful food resources, including increased numbers of rabbits and rodents, household refuse, pet food, water from ponds and landscape irrigation run-off, and intentional feeding.

Cessation of predator control has also contributed to coyotes’ loss of wariness toward humans.

Preventive (e.g., habitat modification) and corrective actions (e.g., hazing) can be effective if implemented before coyote attacks on pets become common.

However, if environmental modification and changes in human behavior toward coyotes are delayed, then removal of offending coyotes is needed to resolve threats to human safety.

Coyote attacks on humans in suburbia are largely preventable, but the long-term solution of this conflict requires public education, changes in residents’ behavior, and in some situations, the means to effectively remove individual offending animals.”

Much better than the CNN repor is this, http://www.theatlanticcities.com/neighborhoods/2012/10/youve-heard-urban-coyotes-urban-bears-could-be-next/3561/ from The Atlantic magazine. It's very interesting about Gehrt saying other still larger carnivores will likely follow the coyotes into the city. I's called "You've Heard of Urban Coyotes. Urban Bears Could Be Next" and was written by Emily Badger and quotes Gehrt extensively.

A few more comments about your posts, chrisrus, as I make it a point to honestly address your posts rather than mere nitpick on a few details of them, which is a courtesy you obviously don't extend to others:
--I don't have a problem with people hunting to keep from starving--if anyone does hunt for such a reason anymore. The broad, ugly brush I paint them with reflects the broad, ugly truth that most people hunt for the sick pleasure of killing something. And Native Americans did not in the past, or in modern times, seek to eradicate animal populations--if you feel that they did, you ought to spend some time talking with a few and discover the rich, deeply complex philosophy of life that ran through their society. i doubt you'll understand it, but you might at least cease making this statement which is insulting to Native American heritage.
--Obviously you are an archeological and paleontological expert--is there anything that YOU-YOU-YOU aren't an expert about? What a human wonder you are--and you may well be right about the arrival of the first humans to North America. The last book I read claimed 10000 years ago; the last program I watched said the bear went extinct 12000 years ago. You seem wonderfully talented at picking a detail out of a study to argue these points, and perhaps you're satisfied with your cobbled-together "intellect" of micro-bytes of information, but what you lack is understanding the broader picture.

Continued
--My analogy does work because you say that African Americans are humans (thankfully, you agree on at least that point) and coyotes are animals. In the past, Caucasians didn't think African Americans were humans; they thought African Americans were animals and so they could be enslaved, beaten, killed at will like other animals. In truth, we're all animals, so why is one animal contending that it has the right to kill another unnecessarily? We are sophisticated (some of us, anyways) animals that can, if we choose, find many ways to avoid the necessity of killing. We just choose not to at times. Nazis performed experiments on Jews because they considered Jews only to be animals. It's a slippery slope to start prioritizing life. You talk about mosquitoes and viruses being less valuable life forms that "we" don't worry about destroying? I think that even these creatures have a purpose in nature, in the world. Like bacteria, if you killed all the bacteria in the world, you die--simple, because our lives are built around mutually beneficial relationships with many bacteria. This isn't only philosophy, which you use like a dirty word, it's about the science of where we fit into the world and it isn't in an isolated, insulated capsule called Wheaton. These ideas aren't going to die out because this is how we've reached the medical advances we've already achieved.

Lastly, if a million people contend, believe in their very core, that poking a sharp stick in their eye is a great idea, that doesn't mean that it IS a great idea, that just means they're rather... short-sighted. And it doesn't mean that I'm going to find it to be a good idea, much less try it.
To put it another way, I'd rather be eaten alive by coyotes feeling the way I do, than to live a long, long, long life thinking the way you do.

Just saw another one! High Noon! Stalking a small animal behind my house. I don't know what made me look out the window when I did!

Yeah, Alan! How is it that some of these folks see coyotes all the time but I never seem to? There is so much wildlife here and I feel fortunate to have spotted more interesting creatures here than any place else I've ever lived, like woodpeckers, hawks of various sorts, skunk, but the coyote remains a bit elusive.

Vincent if some of the last few of your postings don't make people stop and think, I don't know what will! The part about bacteria is very thought provoking. In addition, I still can't understand how someone can look an animal in the eyes and kill it. I think this is the ultimate egocentric act-to decide that you have a right to take the life of something. How do you not wonder hmmm. what if someone decided to take my life? It astounds me more and more how much there is a lack of empathy and sympathy in the world today, in so many regards. I also agree with you about Shawn Starry-he is very honest,at least I'll give him that. Many others posting here have actually started by saying "keep your dogs on leashes" and everything will be fine, more or less. Then, days later, they say "coyotes all have to be trapped!!?? "Not adding up, is it? I find it frightening that they either intended to make their "push" for killing from the beginning or are too ignorant to admit that this is wrong, and has been from the beginning. (Not to mention that the coyotes aren't going away from wheaton or anywhere else so, what on earth do they think killing will accomplish?) Lastly, did you notice that NO ONE, NOT ONE PERSON mentioned the link you posted with the adorable coyote who warily approaches the couple with the dog and takes the treat and immediately walks away. Gentle as can be, not a threat to anyone at all!! Funny how they all get quiet but, only when it suits them, huh.

Alan, please tell me when you see a coyote! I have been searching, like Vincent. I don't think some of the people posting here can take a picture though, since they are too busy looking for their firearms. Not Julie but some of the others.

Alan, you are lucky! I wish I had seen him! I live in Wheaton and travel on Butterfield Road a couple of times most days and yet,...nothing. I am keeping my eyes open though, hopefully soon...

Vincent, you guys have all the luck! I am not giving up yet, though!

Whatever, chrisrus.... You're not worth the bother anymore.

Keep at it, Unheard! With the coyote population booming in Wheaton, I'm sure it's only a matter of time! If you happen to have an ambulance, you could sound the siren and at least HEAR them I'm told.

Thanks Vincent! I don't think chrisrus understands that some idiots are calling the city because they saw or heard a coyote. Big deal. Who cares? Coyotes live throughout the U.S.A. and elsewhere. The goal is really that if one is a problem meaning sick, which can, in rare cases, make them slightly more "bold," though dog bites are far, far more common, you have the option to call the city. So few coyotes meet this prerequisite to begin with! They-meaning the city, then have to try to find the coyote, assess the situation, etc. etc. They have enough to worry about, like the pedophiles, addicts and domestic abusers, plus all the construction issues as of late, so this coyote paranoia must be very stressful for them! Such a waste of time and money!!! Hopefully chrisrus and some others will get to a place where they understand that this is why it's called living WITH coyotes.

2 sightings on the 29th and one the morning of the 30th. The latter incident was frightening as the coyote did nothing when I yelled at it. It wasn't until I lifted a chair to throw at it did it leave... and it wasn't in a hurry. We had an INCIDENT tonight... I was out with the dogs and a coyote quickly ran up to the fence. When I screamed bloody murder at the top of my lungs and ran towards it, it took off. I think I'm getting PTSD. All incidents reported to Wheaton Police.

Sorry, little typo there. I -have- been filling out the online report for every sighting and last night's incident was reported as a pet encounter. I have not called the police. We are in unincorporated Wheaton so I would have to contact dupage county anyway. I also commented on the patch facebook page last night.

chrisrus I don't know why in the world you keep telling strangers Julie, in this case,(I presume Julie is a stranger to you.) to "get armed." How irresponsible of you! Any cities police department would probably not appreciate that, understandably. It sounds to me like Julie is doing just fine. She did what others recommend and therefore, the coyotes left. Funny how it works that easily, huh? Just what every reasonable poster has been saying all along. In fact, we now have Julies proof. (Not to mention many former posters.) She may choose to hire a trapper though it is very doubtful that they will find the same coyote/s so.... if she want's to waste her money that is her choice. I don't understand why you keep telling her and everyone else who to call, it's as if you don't think they can even read! I am very much wondering if you are a trapper at this point?

Julie, that is awesome! You did EXACTLY the right thing. This is why it worked!! It should also reaffirm that you are really need not worry. Lets face it, if it or any animal wanted to attack you enough, it would have. You are so much more likely to be bit by a house dog on a walk than from a coyote. In fact, the statistics are alarming. I am a little bit cautious around strangers dogs, for this reason. As for the trappers, I would be very careful!! We all remember Shawn Starry, who is an extreme example but, most trappers are very "unbalanced," to put it very kindly. They are not the types I want around my children or seeing the inside of my home!!!
Good luck!!!

Your comment of trappers being very 'unbalanced' is offensive.
As I've stated before, I am not at all concerned about a coyote attacking humans as I know the odds of that happening are very slim. It's my 2, 12 lb dogs I'm worried about and last night's aggressive charge scared the hell out of me. I was standing 20 feet away, in my yard that is brightly lit, shaking a stupid can with pennies in it... everything Wheaton told me to do. I had just finished saying (very loudly) "HURRY UP AND PEE" when it happened and I haven't stopped shaking since.
As for hiring a trapper, maybe the neighborhood will band together and deal with things how we see fit. Our complaints are being ignored by the city so....

Well, Julie I am sorry that I "offended" you. Clearly you feel that you can do a better job running the city of Wheaton so, who am I to stop you? Considering the fact that you mentioned in other posts that you feel more strongly about the city dealing with the coyote "problem." than the pedophile problem, I highly doubt you will be elected. Again, I cant imagine why you are "shaking" since what you did worked. You, nor your dogs were harmed so.... what the city told you to do and you in turn did worked, right? Look, I happen to like geese but, they also became a "problem" animal so they were "removed." Now, coyotes are a problem so they should be reomoved? Where will it end? Geese are one of many animals that coyotes would normally eat so... point being when you try to trap/remove animals it just won't work, will it? This is why the city won't do what you want-they know it doesn't work and they aren't going to make the same mistake again! Most people are simply watching their dogs. This is why among the hundreds or thousands of small dogs in the area, there is rarely an attack, If you choose to skate uphill and then try to blame the city well, those days are over! And yes, those who enjoy trapping and killing animals all the time for a living are very much unbalanced. In fact, it's not uncommon for them to have domestic "issues" though, I suppose you don't believe that happens in Wheaton either since you seem to feel we don't have a pedophile problem.

As always, thanks for the great comment, Unheard! It also got me to thinking that it's interesting that everyone wants a smaller government nowadays, until they perceive some small problem and then they want the government to do something about it. We'd have gnat response committees in Wheaton if it were left to these folks.

Thanks Vincent. I like what you said best in a previous post about how they would like the government to "tuck them in at night." They are now showing breaking news about someone being hit on Geneva Road. It made me think again about how much we could accomplish here if people only had the ability to prioritize and understand some of the more pressing problems that Wheaton and other cities face. They could use their intelligence and energy for such good, if only they would see the "bigger" picture.

quote= you feel more strongly about the city dealing with the coyote "problem." than the pedophile problem.
I said there were probably more coyotes in wheaton than pedophiles. Please stop twisting my statements to suit your condescending rebuttals.

I understand that you find me "condescending" and that I "offend" you. I really can't claim to know how many pedophiles live it Wheaton, though, I suspect you can tell me that too. I certainly know that they scare me a whole lot more that a coyote here or there!!! My point which, you are attempting to twist, was that if in any way, shape or form, coyotes scare you more than one or more pedophiles, you might think about your priorities, if only for those of us who have children. In other words, it seems you want to gather your neighbors, who you are certain all agree with you to begin with, and take away time for the city to focus on your serious coyote issues. I say that is so selfish when the city has only so much time and so many more issues that need solving. I choose our children first. Is that skewed thinking?

No, I don't find YOU condescending and I don't find YOU offensive. Your comment about trappers could be considered offensive... it's like saying "women with short hair are lesbians" or "politicians are corrupt" or "Jewish people are cheap". Blanket statements like that are a pet peeve and I tend to call them out when I see them.
quote=it seems you want to gather your neighbors, who you are certain all agree with you to begin with, and take away time for the city to focus on your serious coyote issues.
No. we will not involve the city in any way. You are forgetting that I don't live in the city limits.
Coyotes around here are getting bold and they are attacking and killing our pets, whom we love just as much as our human children.
I'm very torn over this situation and we are taking every precaution we can, including getting a 6 ft fence with a barbed wire overhang installed. It would be MUCH cheaper to call a crazy trapper but we're not.
Can't you just step into our shoes for 2 minutes and try to understand our side? Believe me, I totally understand yours!

What other job can you think of do people take money to cruelly trap and kill animals who are simply tying to eat? If a police officer kills someone, or even an animal, there a thorough investigation done to confirm that his/her actions were warranted-as there should be. I avoid blanket statements as much as possible. I abhor discrimination except when lives are at stake-human or animal since we are also "animals." If a lesbian. politician, or Jewish individual tries to justify killing to me, that is unacceptable since it is wrong. Not because they are a lesbian, politician, or Jewish. Did you see the above post's where Vincent showed pictures of the "humane" traps? The reality is many, not all hunters have domestic issues. When you decide if something should live or die, in many cases, you can be deemed "unbalanced" since who are you to decide? You chose to state "As for hiring a trapper, maybe the neighborhood will band together and deal with things how we see fit. Our complaints are being ignored by the city so...." Now your saying "No,we will not involve the city in any way." So, which is it? It seems to me you are very angry with the city. This has been my frustration since day one-the city could trap-it won't work! End of story! I don't understand why no one can simply accept this fact. For over two years now, we kept an open mind-found fair answers, gave names & numbers, disclosed all we had, and still periodically hear trap and hunt!!! Why? It makes no sense!!

I think it is awesome that you think of your pets as children-me too! I also think installing the fence is a great idea. I just think that though it's time consuming, walking your pets on leashes and doing what the city says just makes sense. To call in trappers or expect the city to stop dealing with more serious crimes to run to someones home simply because they saw a coyote is uncalled for.

Dogs are being attacked while owners are present and even while being walked on a leash. If you don't think that's completely fucked up, and wrong, I don't know what to say.

I will do whatever I have to do to keep my family and pets safe and that's that. I have the legal right to defend my property and will do so as an absolute last resort.
(720 ILCS 5/7-1) Sec. 7-1. Use of force in defense of person
(720 ILCS 5/7-2) Sec. 7-2. Use of force in defense of dwelling.

That's all from me. Happy Holiday's everyone!

First, I think you should watch you language, or you will be removed and second, put your guns and attitude away as you are exactly the reason we need stricter gun control laws. To those who feel they might live near Julie, I would be cautious if I were you as she is starting to make shawn starry seem "stable."

Chrisrus, telling Julie to run around with anything that resembles a gun isn't what I'd consider helpful advice. She's likely to be shot herself by one of the numerous gun-toting Wheatonites who sound all too eager to find an excuse to pop off a few rounds with their "toys" if they mistaken her for an armed stranger, particularly since they all seem familiar with the statute about defending property with deadly force. Further, I find your use of "standing ground" an interesting way of describing coyote behavior, since it's the terminology that people use to justify shooting aggressive individuals. Are you suggesting that coyotes have a right to stand their ground, and if so, are they justified in using force against us?

Vincent my thoughts again-this is why I posted that others should beware of Julie. Her perceptions are a bit skewed at the moment. The scary part is I hope she realizes that if she goes running around outside, even outside the city limits with a gun, she will be putting others and herself in danger. If someone sees her with a gun, she could be shot as they would not know her intentions-if you are reading this Julie, please be careful!!!

chrisrus, please, please, please stop telling Julie to "get armed." She could be shot by someone unaware of her intentions or arrested!! I can not believe that you keep repeating this. It is very irresponsible!!! Please think before you post. You are now putting people in possible danger!!!!

Julie, I should add that Vincent is right. The laws you refer to only regard people, not animals, meaning that you will have no legal recourse. In other words, even if an animal is chasing your pet, you can not shoot it. You will be arrested. This is to protect people from those who could haphazardly shoot firearms and later claim that they were shooting at an animal.

chrisrus let me be clear, it is not skewed thinking one iota!!! When a child is assaulted and the police can't arrive in time to catch the criminal since they are at someones house discussing their coyote "problem," I call that a heck of a problem!!! Recently, school district 200 had a parents conference due to the numerous reports of attempted child abductions in Wheaton. When our police can't solve these crimes, due in part, to being called out for a simple coyote sighting, you better believe that is a problem for many parents/citizens!!! Not to mention the problems with drugs and domestic issues as well!!!

unheard, you are truly a psycho. You are all off your game and have gone WAYYY off the deep end! Julie, please stop teasing the mental patients.

MK nice of you to join us and say....nothing. Any words of wisdom other than name calling? Have you even read every post? Julie describes shaking in one but you ascertain that I am the psycho? Had you been following this for the last two years MK you would understand exactly how difficult it is for the police when people run around pointing weapons or what could be seen at night in the dark as weapons! And these same individuals do indeed call 911 when they see a coyote in their yard and the police then have to to to investigate. Yes, sometimes this happens during domestic disputes, dui's, etc. Do you understand chrisrus?

Chrisus, where to start? Why did you post before (Those who choose to scroll way up and check should) that trapping and hunting WON'T work? As I have said over and over at this point, please make up your mind! Here's an idea. Lets hire extra police and have trappers posted on every border of Wheaton, hiding in every bush and field and then as soon as a coyote shows up or better yet, gives birth they can all be ready to shoot and kill them to make you, Julie and presumably MK happy. Hmmm lets see, even that wont work since they will still find other bushes and fields and procreate much to your dismay, I am sure. Point again is, intelligent citizens of Wheaton have been listening and following through on what they hear. Childish ones will whine and complain and choose to "skate uphill." It's a simple choice.

Here's one more tidbit. I am hoping that we won't have similar situations here as in other cities where a gun wielding idiot runs out at night and shoots a coyote to then find out it was a husky or, any of numerous other breeds of dogs that resemble coyotes. It isn't very common but, very sadly, does happen when people allow paranoia take over. Yes, these are typically the same people who just can't seem to figure out why they were then arrested, sued, etc. Then they decide it's wise to sue the city and are astonished when they loose!

Chrisrus, I have said the irony is that since I have absolutely no fear of coyotes, and don't want them killed, I should actually be begging you all to call in trappers. Why? The coyotes will procreate even more! If you believe only one thing I say, this is it. Please check. Don't ask the trappers, they only want your money, I think we all agree there. Every coyote expert agrees. The people who study them day and night in other words. This is not me, I only see and follow their guidelines since they have done this for decades, in some cases. So does the city now. This is why the city won't pay for trappers. They know this will lead to more coyotes. Rewind two and a half years ago when they begged the city not to trap/kill since in a couple of years more coyotes would be here. The city didn't listen and... viola... here we are. They can't stop idiots who choose not to believe this from hiring trappers but, our tax money certainly isn't going to pay for it anymore. Why? Again, simple, it won't work and in fact increases coyote populations. Do the research yourself.

Unheard. Please stop your ranting and foolish bantering. You're a bonified nut. Nothing you have said will make a difference. Do you get a thrill when someone acknowledges your posts? You've said all you need to say. Please Stop your knee-jerk posts so I can stop getting over 300 email notifications. Now go take your pill and later you can have a tea party with all your stuffed animals.

MK, I forgot to mention that ever since you ranted about wondering how coyotes taste you lost any and all credibility from well, everyone. Please just post elsewhere as we really don't care to hear your "contributions." Thanks!

Unheard, what's wrong with wondering if Coyotes are "good eating"? It's called humor, making light of an unmanageable situation such as coyote overpopulation. Coyote hats and coats are all the rave. Maybe Wheaton can balance the budget by culling the population and making winter apparel? Oh no! I've just lost all my credibility!

MK it has to be funny to be called humor. Try harder, please. Thanks! I almost forgot, don't try here, try elsewhere. Thanks again!!

MK, your sense of "humor" is a bit too dry for my taste. When it comes to the idea of creatures being killed, particularly needlessly, I find I'm not in much of a laughing mood.

Thanks for the great posts, Unheard! My being here is rather superfluous, it seems! Nonetheless, it seems there is the usual nonsense about trappers and hunters being called in. It's a wonder that no one has taken out a contract with a professional hitman yet--perhaps they could start by roughing the coyotes up a bit, then move on to breaking their knee-caps before getting down to the real business. Interesting that as soon as you say that a trapper might be unstable that Chrisrus goes berserk and cries about slander as if these people were Rhodes scholars who just happened to have an odd hobby. She should see some of the stuff that I saw about trappers, where they let their dogs rip apart live trapped coyotes as they video tape it to post online--now if that doesn't scream of derangement, I'm not sure what does! But clearly--Chrisrus being the expert on everything under the sun and everyone else being mere idiots next to the god-like Chrisrus intellect--the practice is just a little eccentric oddness in an otherwise wholesome, salt-of-the-earth trapper.

I agree Vincent, chrisrus has made it clear, time and time again, at this point that her research skills are flawless, as long as it suits her point. She ignores comments constantly that don't suit her. I highly doubt she has seen some of the horror we have, in looking at these horrific sites. If so, I don't think we would ever hear hunt or trap again from her. If she has, I agree, derangement is simply the only answer.

There’s no need to speculate:

In Wheaton, only two people may trap Coyotes:
• Brad Lundsteen, Suburban Wildlife Control: 630-443-4500
• Gary Zirves, Illinois Wildlife Control: 815-337-2719
That is all. There is no one else.
If want to know how it will be done, or their backgrounds, or their characters, call them and ask.
Maybe Charlotte could write a story and find out if any of these nasty insinuations about them are true. I think you will find them to be good, informed, professional people.
There is no need to worry about mafia hit men or crazy, sadistic hunters or to speak about those who would trap any coyotes as if we all don’t already know exactly who they are.
If you decide to say bad things about Brad and Gary, you had better be able to back them up, because otherwise it feels like slander to me.

Hey you two, get a room!

chrisrus all we have to speculate about is why you said previously that trapping won't work and have now repeatedly ignored that question. We don't ignore your questions but since you repeatedly ignore ours-since they aren't "convenient."

Again chrisrus, since you are having difficulty-why did you say before that trapping won't work. Remember, there was a time when you were using your common sense, or facts or for whatever reason, we were in agreement that trapping won't work. We have yet to see you respond to this directly.

Vincent and I have been consistent since day one! Please check. And, MK though it may bother you, we won't be "getting a room." Though it may be impossible for you to fathom, many, many other people-in fact-I would say most, don't delight in killing animals when such animals are simply trying to eat. Should we "get a room" with much more than half the population, since only unstable individuals kill for fun? You can try all you want to claim that you are the majority but, statistics, facts, all those words that make everyone here uncomfortable tell a different story. However, I can't sell anything to someone who chooses not to buy. I can give names, numbers and all the facts but if others still choose to ignore them-like chrisrus, what more can you possibly do/say?

chrisrus, it's nice to know that presumably, when your child or children grow up to be trappers and hunters you will have pride and adoration for that choice. You should brag and boast constantly. I choose to teach my children NOT to kill-silly me!!!!

chrisrus trapping does not work! I know, I know, you think you are smarter than the city officials but, If it worked they would do and you and I would pay for it with our hard-earned tax money. Right? You actually have the nerve to say you "never said that." It was waaay back in the beginning when we were discussing coyote experts telling people that no, it won't work and yes, there will then in fact be an increase in coyote populations. Remember? You were sounding far more sensible then!! Then you changed your tune and even said that we should fear our children would be snatched. Then, you foolishly brought up Kelly Keen, one of two cases in America and Canada in how many years? Do you remember? I doubt it. See you can't find a needle in a haystack and then base ever post on that needle. We see right through that-clear as day. I hear you when you say you've changed your mind and "trapping works." I have genuinely heard you, all along.I simply disagree as does the city, which makes you mad at me, somehow. Misdirected anger, I think. Sorry, isn't it apparent that you have lost the war at this point? Or are you saying that you know more than the city officials?

One last though, chrisrus. If the city truly thought that the coyotes were such a danger wouldn't they protect the citizens? If the "problem" coyotes had reached that threshold somehow-mind you-we've been discussing this for years now, don't you think more could/would be done? Be careful in your response, you don't want to slander anyone, right?

I did some more reading and it does make sense that if you kill coyotes, the ones left thrive. For (a really bad) example...
Imagine 10 coyotes and 10 whoppers.
Each coyote eats one whopper a day, every day (your food supply is 10 whoppers a day).
Kill 5 coyotes and the remaining yotes get TWO whoppers every day. Those remaining 5 will be living large. They will get fat and mate like wild animals. Until they reproduce to the point that there's 20 of them and then they only get 1/2 a whopper each per day. When do they start starving off? When there's only 1/12th of a whopper for each coyote? No... that's when the start eating yorkie's, schnoodles, bischons and minpins.
So..... instead of killing them, we really have to start catching and neutering them. It truly is the only solution. And it's much more humane than killing them!

A re-post for you Julie --- The Wheaton Animal Control was presenting an alternative to Wheaton Dog Owners for controlling the coyote population.

It seemed that, after years of the homeowners using the tried and true methods of shooting and/or trapping the predators, the tree-huggers had a "more humane" solution. What they proposed was for the animals to be captured alive, the males castrated, then let loose again... and the population would be controlled.

Well, all the homeowners thought about this amazing idea for a couple of minutes.

Finally, a grey-haired old man in the back stood up and said, "People, I don't think you understand the problem. These coyotes ain't "violating" our dogs - they're eatin' 'em."
(Hopefully that wasn't tooo funny or too "dry" of humor for the liberals)

I've read and repeated that story... it IS funny! And true.

There isn't really any other solution to the problem, though, other than killing ALL coyotes and that's never going to happen, obviously.

It's not fun to live in fear every time you take your dogs outside. Since our incident the other night, I've been talking to people and hearing some amazing stories. One was from the check-out woman at Petco in Danada... she said one of her customers told her how he was walking his 2 boxers on leashes (not sure if the dogs were full grown or puppies) and they were charged by coyotes (she didn't mention how many). The guy had to physically lift his dogs by their collars to get them off the ground, away from the coyotes. He yelled and kicked at them and they ran away.

Scary, huh? I'm sure he's not too comfortable walking his dogs at night anymore!

Another point that hasn't been brought up.... kids walking dogs. My 16yo daughter is terrified of going out in the yard at night with the dogs. Practically in tears. We told her a million times that the coyotes won't hurt HER but she knows her dogs are in danger.

How can I go out and have a nice, care-free dinner when I have to worry about all of this?

They tell us to keep our dogs inside from dusk to dawn... really? Where are they supposed to pee before bed? Or are our dogs expected to just hold it from 4:45 pm-7am?

Again... this is out of control.

Julie, your example of the coyote situation is correct. Killing the coyotes opens up the territory for other coyotes to move in and prosper. Also, they procreate to fill the potential of the area food supply. On the other side of things, nature thins the population when there isn't enough food, diseases, predators and various hazards. In the end, everything balances, but that leaves us at the present situation in Wheaton. I think that what you did the other night worked: the coyote realized that it couldn't just come along and grab your dogs and it had to leave. Animals of all sorts tend to suss out who is the more dominant through behavior. People tend to have trouble with animals when they show fear of them, which is a natural response in some cases, because the animal then imagines that it is the more dominant. It's a simplified explanation but for the most part consistent. In the Adirondacks, they tell folks not to run away if they see a bear (black bear are still somewhat common in those parts) because it will then chase and attack you; if you stand your ground and yell at it, the bear will usually run away. You're saying to the bear, "I'm not afraid of you. I'm being aggressive and you should be more afraid of me." Same with the coyotes--tell them that they came to the wrong place to get a meal. Same for the guy with the boxers--he let the coyotes know that he was in charge and they had to give up.

MK, you're just plain silly at times. And you should be less critical of so-called tree-huggers because (and this is not to say you in particular, though you do use the term like a curse) there are those who would gladly cut down every tree on Earth to grind up and paste into fiber-board to make more crappy furniture and such. Really, where would we be without trees and plants in general? Dead, that's where. Without the flora and fauna, this planet is a dead rock and left alone on it, our days would be extremely numbered. These are OUR trees and OUR animals and OUR future--both yours and mine and our children's future--all tied to preserving the resources that we have. What's so liberal about that? That's just plain horse-sense in my book.
Here's a notion, too--why is it that self-described conservatives want to do anything but conservation?

Haven't forgotten about you, Unheard! Thanks for all the great posts today! Wink-Wink!

Julie, I have to agree with Vincent's post to you. Also, I really like your humane approach! I wish we could catch them too. It would be great if the city would open a coyote habitat where they care for and study them. They could make it educational, maybe even charge people for admittance. Humane wildlife viewing is becoming very popular, and can also bring in needed funds.(Everyone wins.) I think if you and your daughter continue to show them that you are in control, you will be fine. I hope you have a happy holiday season!

Vincent, I agree with your post to Julie. I think what she is doing and what she is teaching her daughter is the best choice. They are following the city guidelines, and being proactive. It would be nice if everyone handled the situation-which can be scary- in the same way. As for your "Wink-WInk," though I'm very flattered, I am a happily married lady.

This video says to “instruct children to avoid coyotes, leaving the hazing to adults.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LQMxZo0YSM (03:59)

Unheard, he must be a very lucky coyote! No more winking from me then!

Chrisrus, Julie's daughter is sixteen years old! At sixteen don't you think that she can handle hazing a coyote?

Vincent, you are very kind!I can't lie, I am the lucky coyote, he is a wonderful man. I am surprised that you are single. You are obviously smart, kind, and you clearly like animals! I hope you have a great holiday season.

Unheard, as the coyotes say, "Yip-yip-yip!" In human language that translates to, "Happy Holidays to you!"