Coyote snarled at woman, dog in Bolingbrook trail: cops

The coyote that reportedly snarled at a woman walking her dog in Bolingbrook was located and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources are “evaluating the circumstances,” police said.

Officers checked the Lily Cache Creek Trail where the incident on Sunday occurred and the coyote “was located along with its den,” Bolingbrook police said in a news release.

“The coyote gave auditory warnings with short loud yips. The coyote appeared healthy and active,” police said.

Coyotes become protective of their dens and pups and they will defend the area if anyone encounters them, police said.

“All indications are the coyote was exhibiting this behavior yesterday,” police said.

The coyote did not jump on the woman’s back on Sunday but it did “yip and snarl at her heels until she left area,” police said.

The coyote was initially reported to have attempted to jump on the woman’s back. After further clarification with the woman, this did not occur, police said.

The incident occurred on Lily Cache Creek Trail, west of Kings Road, north of Prairieview Boulevard, south of Trails End Lane and southwest of Lily Cache Sports Field West, police said.

The area of the trail where the den was located has been closed, police said.

Coyotes are protected under the Illinois Wildlife Code and a nuisance animal removal permit must be obtained before the relocation of the coyote in Bolingbrook, police said.

“The Illinois Department of Natural Resources are evaluating the circumstances,” police said.

Police said coyotes are “generally fearful of humans and will try to avoid contact.”

“In the rare event a coyote attacks you or someone near you, yell at the coyote to make it back off. Do not run, since a coyote can run much faster than a person,” police said.

Informational signs about coyotes will be posted in the area and officers assigned to the park district will patrol the park and adjacent trails where the incident occurred, police said.