We have lived here for 11 years and heard coyotes occassionaly in this distance. But in the past few months a pack of coyotes have come closer to the residences. In yards and just outside our privacy fence, every night they are close. I am concerned that with many children in this neighborhood this could become a problem situation very quickly. Along with people's pets. I keep an eye on my smaller dog at night. Is this a temporary migration or a long term situation? My address is 8316 Peabody Road, Freeburg, Illinois. Thanks

It could be that the coyotes are attracted to a new source of food in the neighborhood (i.e., garbage that is not properly stored, pet food left outside, grills that are not cleaned, bird feeders that are not properly maintained which can attract mice, etc.). Or the coyote population may be a little larger than in past years. Small pets should not be left outside alone. And children should be taught not to approach coyotes. If the neighbors see the coyotes, they should yell or make a lot of noise to deter the coyotes from coming closer. For more information about coyotes and keeping people and pets safe go to: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/wildlife/directory_show.cfm?species=coyote