Coyotes Are Calling Chicago Home In Surprising Numbers

Chicago might be one of the largest urban areas in the entire United States, but that doesn't stop wild animals from making this city in Illinois their home.

You Will Be Shocked By How Many Coyotes Live In Chicago

We have noticed over the last few years that there are more and more wild animals living in our Rockford neighborhood. The funny thing is, we don't live on the outskirts of town; our block is pretty darn busy with people and traffic all of the time. The animals don't seem to mind. We have ducks, turkeys, raccoons, rabbits, squirrels, birds, geese, opossums, deer, foxes, coyotes, and even more. It's really surprised us.

READ MORE: Get Ready For The Redneck Fishing Tournament Returning To Illinois This Summer

According to WGN TV 9 Chicago...

Chicago is a city of nearly 3 million people, 77 neighborhoods, and 1,700 coyotes.

 

The animal that has really surprised us is coyotes. I really expected them to only be in rural areas, where they can raid a chicken coop. Apparently, they enjoy living in the city. Since the 1990s, the population of coyotes in Chicago has reached over 1,700. You might think that humans pushed the animals out of the rural area, but the coyotes have actually moved to the city.

Get our free mobile app

There is plenty of natural food for them, including all the small rodents that live in the city. There is no hunting in Chicago. They live in small forest preserves located within the Windy City. They are afraid of humans, so they stay away from us. Officials warn to keep an eye on small pets. Next time you're in Chicago, and you thought you saw a coyote, you probably did.