Cook County animal control says the coyote population is on the rise and that people may see more than usual in the area.
The reason why coyotes are on the rise is because their food source has also increased, according to Dr. Donna Alexander, an administrator at the Cook County Animal and Rabies Control. Rats and rabbits have increased their population, having managed to get to more food.
Coyotes are not new to Chicago and are nicknamed “Ghosts of the city.” The Urban Coyote Project estimates that around 2,000 are roaming around the area.
There's even a Chicago coyote tracker website where users can report spotting the critters, which appears to happen frequently on the north side.
Experts say coyotes breed in the winter, so they'll be out in the fall looking for a mate. Officials say people should not to run away from coyotes or offer them food.
“If you start feeding them, then they lose their human fear,” Alexander said. “That's the worst thing you can do with a coyote.”
