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ANIMAL CONTROL

Call the Kenilworth Police Department at 847-251-2141 if you have a question concerning domestic or wild animals within the Village.

 

WILDLIFE

Wild animals are considered to be indigenous to our area and generally beyond the responsibility of the Village animal control program.  However, the Kenilworth Police Department will provide assistance on those occasions when wild animals enter the living space of a residence and pose a threat to persons.

Wild animals in eaves, walls, under decks, in garages, etc. are not considered to be a threat and cannot be handled by the police.  When their presence in these areas poses a problem, members of the Police Department will gladly provide information and suggestions for relocating them but it is the homeowner’s responsibility to deal with the animals or contract with a private pest control company. 

The Department provides traps at no charge to residents to capture wild animals that are inside homes.  The Department cannot trap wild animals that are living outside the home.  There are licensed private companies that charge a fee to remove wild animals and stinging insects from private property.  

For more information regarding Wildlife, visit the University Of Illinois Extension's Living with Wildlife website.


Coyotes and Fox

Over the past several years, coyote and fox sightings have become more prevalent within the village and surrounding communities.  Although you may be shocked to see a coyote running through the village it is not unusual. 

Many wild animals, including the coyote and fox, adapt very well to urbanization and can cohabit with humans.  Some people have expressed concern about these animals attacking children and pets.  Attacks by coyotes on humans are extremely rare and attacks on humans by fox are non-existent.  In fact, both animals are very skittish and tend to shy away from direct contact with humans.  While coyotes can pose a threat to domestic pets their diet consists of mostly small mammals including mice, rabbits, and squirrels but will also eat fruits and vegetables, especially in the fall.  When letting your dog out at dusk or after dark, check the yard for any type of wild animal. Turn lights on and make some noise in order to scare off any possible wild animal that may be in the immediate area.

Feeding coyotes completely breaks down their natural fear of humans, and can cause them to become unusually aggressive.  Food placed out for other wildlife such as birds and squirrels attracts coyotes who are seeking the small animals as a food source.  Residents may wish to discontinue feeding wildlife to avoid attracting the coyotes.  Coyotes are opportunistic, bringing in dog or cat food in the evening will also eliminate a potential food source.

The question has also been asked as to why the police department will not capture and remove these animals.  According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, trying to reduce and control the coyote population will not work.  The void created by a coyote’s death or removal will be filled within three to four weeks.  Coyotes are also intelligent animals and very difficult to catch in a live trap.  Traps successfully used to capture coyotes are “snare” or “leg hold” traps which are dangerous to children as well as adults.  The Illinois Department of Natural Resources suggests that unless an animal has demonstrated aggressiveness toward a human or a domestic pet, the coyote should be left alone. In the event of aggressiveness, an Illinois Department of Natural Resources licensed trapper should be contacted to address the problem animal.

Parents should educate their children on how to identify and stay away from coyotes and other wildlife.  

If you observe any animal that appears to be injured, sick or displaying aggressive behavior, please call 9-1-1 immediately

 

The following websites offer additional information:

http://www.projectwildlife.org/index.php  

http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/Pages/default.aspx 

http://chicagowildernessmag.org/issues/winter2001/wiley.html  

 

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Copyright © 1998 Kenilworth Police Department
Last modified: April 26, 2010