Officials in Lake Bluff, Illinois, alerted residents after a coyote snatched a small dog from a yard before disappearing into the nearby woods.
Authorities said it was the first such incident ever reported in Lake Bluff.
Here's what to know
According to the Lake and McHenry County Scanner, police were called after a resident said a coyote seized a small dog from a yard and ran into a wooded area. Officers searched the area after the report came in but didn't find the dog, called Stanley, who is now unfortunately presumed dead. The Lake Bluff Police Department is documenting the case with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Ken Robertson, Stanley's owner, said the dog was his family's pet. He said the yard was not fenced, and that his wife was outside with the dogs when a coyote came out of the woods on the property, about 10 feet away.
"She chased and screamed at the coyote, but it grabbed Stan and ran away," Robertson said. "We have seen the coyotes in the neighborhood, so have been diligent about being with them when they go outside. This happened so fast, with a person right there."
In a statement, village officials said spotting a coyote does not by itself mean people or pets are in danger.
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"Coyotes are a natural part of our region, and seeing one does not necessarily indicate a threat to people or pets," it said. "However, this incident is an important reminder to take precautions, particularly with small pets."
More background
The severity of this loss is highlighted by the fact that it happened even when a person was nearby, not when the dog had been left unattended.
Such encounters between pets and wildlife are often influenced by human activity. In suburban areas, wooded edges, open yards, pet food, and other outdoor attractants can all draw wildlife closer to homes.
Even if coyotes generally avoid people, small dogs may still be at risk, especially near brushy or wooded areas where an animal can move in and out quickly.
What can be done?
The village advised residents not to leave small pets outdoors without close supervision, including in fenced yards.
For a coyote encounter, people should stay put rather than run. As Lake and McHenry County Scanner noted, officials recommend that people "stand tall, make yourself appear larger, yell, clap your hands, wave your arms, or use a whistle or other noise-making device."
It's wise to keep up the noise and appear as large as possible until the animal leaves.
Officials also urged residents not to intentionally feed coyotes and to clear away outdoor food sources that might attract them or the smaller animals they prey on. If a coyote behaves aggressively or poses an immediate threat, people should get to a safe place and call 911.
Where can I learn more?
Lake Bluff officials said coyotes can put pets at risk in seconds, especially in neighborhoods near woods. Warnings and encounters in Ohio, Texas, and Missouri City show how quickly bold behavior can reach yards, trails, and other public spaces.
• In Findlay, Ohio, police warned of rising coyote sightings and urged residents to protect pets.
• In Missouri City parks, a coyote stalked a local resident and refused to back away.
• In Dallas, repeated encounters pushed officials to authorize lethal force against one coyote.
• Near a Dallas trail, a coyote chased two children, deepening fears about bold behavior.
Even rare attacks show the danger of increasing human-wildlife interactions.
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