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More dangerous in mating season?

There is a repeat Facebook post making the rounds, as they often do, that is misleading, as they often are, that refers to taking extra precautions with your pets during this time of year. It cites the reason for these safety measures as that coyotes are more aggressive during mating season in late February through early March. Tower Lakes resident and veterinarian, Dr. Stephen Barten, DVM, says that “…even though there always is a risk of coyote attacks on our pets, it likely isn't any greater now than at other times.” He recommends that people always monitor small pets outside, not just now. He directed us to an article from the website “Lost Pet Research and Recovery” which addresses this exact issue. Click here to read the article.

Dr. Barten also provided us with information from the website, Wildlife Illinois.

Here are some steps to prevent human–coyote conflicts from Wildlife Illinois:

• Do not run if a coyote approaches you. Safety procedures for dealing with coyotes are different than those for dealing with an unknown dog. Yell, stand up straight and wave your arms (the goal is to make yourself appear larger) or throw something at the coyote to make it move away (the goal is to scare it away, not to injure it).
• Teach your kids what to do if they see a coyote. Have them throw their arms up in the air and yell “like a monster” to scare the coyote away.
• Do not leave small pets unattended when they are outside, especially at night. Consider the use of fencing or kennel runs to protect small pets.
• Do not feed coyotes. Property owners should limit the availability of unintentional food sources, such as bird food, pet food, ripe fruit, or trash.
• Comply with local ordinances that require oversight/restraint of pets. Coyotes that are protecting their den or young will vigorously defend the area. Simply walking your dog in another area keeps everyone safe.

In the past, residents have alerted our community to coyote sightings through the Tower Lakes Google Group. We encourage you to continue keeping your neighbors notified of these sightings.

Once again we are fortunate that Dr. Barten has shared his extensive knowledge of wildlife to help make Tower Lakes a safer place.

…is a program recently hosted by Barrington Area Library, in collaboration with Citizens for Conservation. The presenter was veterinarian, naturalist, photographer, and videographer, Dr. Stephen Barten, DVM, a long-time Tower Lakes resident. Steve has documented myriad birds, twenty species of mammals, and fifteen species of reptiles and amphibians in his own yard and talks about the benefit of replacing buckthorn and other invasive species, with native plants over the past 25 years. You will be amazed at the incredible photos and videos he has captured in Tower Lakes along with his narration of the habits and habitats of the incredible wildlife in our community.

* Plans will be adjusted to follow current public gathering guidelines.