THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2008

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Coyotes on the Loose

Woman Reportedly Chased At Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve

Lake County Forest Preserve authorities are asking anyone hiking, walking or bicycling along the 387-acre trail through the Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve near Buffalo Grove to be extra careful and keep pets leashed after a recent report that a coyote in the area chased a woman.

According to Lake County Forest Preserve Environmental Communication Specialist Allison Frederick, after the call was reported to rangers, a ranger investigated the report and found a mother coyote and her pups in a den located near the walking trail just west of Schaeffer Road.

"For people to remain safe, the key is to stay on the trail and have their animals leashed," said Frederick. "Domestic dogs are viewed as competition of territory and they will attack them. However, coyotes are afraid of people."

Frederick said if someone comes across the den and the coyotes begin to approach anyone, people should waive their arms and yell, and the coyotes should run away.

The coyotes are expected to remain in that area until June, Frederick said. She also said this is the time of year there is a high volume of coyotes due to mothers giving birth.