Posted: Feb. 23, 2010 |(0) Comments

River Hills — Something has changed the behavior of coyotes in the village, according to residents on the north end of the community. The animals are hunting in packs, coming close to homes and posing a threat to small domestic animals and possibly children.

Candy Sullivan asked the Village Board for help with what some see as an increasing problem.

"In past years, I would see one or two at dawn or dusk," Sullivan said. "Now I am seeing packs of five, six or seven at all times of the day."

Sullivan said a pack of five coyotes chased her dog, a 67-pound boxer, from a neighbor's yard back into her yard.

"They are coming right up to the house," she said. "I would love to have my grandchildren out in the yard with me but I don't feel safe. Something has happened in the last few years."

Sullivan is not alone in her concern.

Kay Yuspeh has lived in the village for 30 years.

"They are in packs and they are big," Yuspeh said. "They are well fed and look as good as German shepherds. February is their breeding season, so there will be more. They are a safety hazard for children who are outside."

Trustee Wendy Walcott said she has received many calls about the coyotes. She said that coyotes gather where there is a food supply and by all accounts, wild turkeys seem to be part of their food.

Pam Geimer said the wild turkey population in the village has increased.

"They are everywhere," she said. "Can we kill the turkeys and eliminate their food source?"

Not everyone sees the coyotes as a problem.

Gilbert Church said the coyotes are a solution to the geese population in the village and said they should be left alone.

The Committee on the Environment will investigate the concerns and report back to the board.