🐺 It’s not just you — local coyotes are more active than usual

My parents always told me, “Sam, there are three topics you must always avoid at a dinner party: Politics, religion and coyotes.” 

Maybe that wasn’t it, verbatim, but the sentiment rings true.

Whether you’re scrolling through Nextdoor or some other online feed, it usually doesn’t take long to encounter a coyote post around here.

Even in real life, if you mention coyotes to a friend or neighbor, it’ll almost certainly prompt a story about a recent sighting or experience. And, quite possibly, some strong opinions.

The last thing we want to do is foment arguments. However, we would like to share some useful information for those who are concerned and/or interested in the presence and behavior of local coyotes.

I haven’t seen a coyote since December (nearly tripped over one during a jog in the woods near Wheeler Park in Geneva), but this Daily Herald article about coyote issues in the northwest burbs triggered some renewed interest.

Getting familiar with coyote management

According to a wildlife expert quoted in the article, coyotes are most active in the suburbs between January 15 and February 15 — i.e. right now.

Though they breed in early spring, coyotes are generally more visible during the winter months simply because less vegetation means fewer places to hide out. Plus, they’re spending more time foraging for food (aren’t we all?).

Local authorities are tasked with balancing public safety (the number one concern) with the environmental benefit of maintaining natural ecosystems, which can be a challenge.

Here’s some useful info concerning coyote management in the Tri-Cities:

• Batavia contracts with Kane County to provide animal control services and does not appear to have an official management plan.

• Geneva approved an official plan in 2015, conducting a coyote training workshop with the Humane Society the same year. The city also encourages residents to report coyote sightings as they monitor the population.

• St. Charles, it appears, established a coyote management plan in 2017, which notes that hunting is prohibited and trapping discouraged. A safety checklist and contact info for local wildlife organizations are included in the plan.

Protecting you pets

Dog and cat owners — we stand in solidarity. Every time I let my 27-pound dog out during non-daylight hours, I’m out there with her in full hyper-vigilant Mama Bear mode.

Pet attacks are the greatest threat posed by coyotes today. Luckily, the aforementioned resources offer plenty of guidance on how to keep your pets safe and even reinforce fear in coyotes near your property without harming them.

Similarly, the wildlife biologists with the Urban Coyote Research Project have compiled over 20 years of data, field observations and case studies to help us understand coyote ecology and behavior in our modern environment.

They’ve got great tips on how to avoid conflict as well.

Last word: In a funny coincidence, as I’m writing this (in a Vegas hotel room, another work trip), a local news segment is airing video of a woman feeding steaks to a coyote near her home. She’s now complaining — total shocker, I know — that she’s having trouble with that coyote. The one she’s been feeding red meat.

I assumed it went without saying, but evidently it doesn’t…DO NOT feed the coyotes. Stay safe out there.

📰 News to use

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☑️ The state of local news: A new report from the Illinois Local Journalism Task Force examines our state’s local news crisis, laying out ideas for solutions and policy recommendations. As this topic is near and dear to my heart, I’ll likely do a deeper dive on it once I’ve had time to review the report thoroughly.

☑️ Ditch the DMV: By urging Illinoisans to take advantage of online services and appointment scheduling, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias hopes to minimize DMV-related headaches.

🔒 Up for debate: Following a recent committee discussion, St. Charles School Board members reached a consensus on some boundary zone changes — while others are still being discussed.

🔒 Local investment: During a visit to the White House on Feb. 1, Kane County Board Chair Corinne Pierog plans to share with the Biden administration real-world examples of what our communities are doing with federal dollars.

🔒 Dramatic exit: After spending months on administrative leave pending an Illinois state police investigation, Campton Hills Police Chief Steven Millar has resigned.

☑️ More warehouse space: Geneva will hold a public hearing on 2/8 to gather input on the Fabyan Parkway industrial development project concerning a 13-acre parcel of land off Fabyan and Kirk.

🏘️ In the community

☑️ Support Over Stigma: By helping veterans and first responders through her service-focused organization, Zoeie Kreiner of St. Charles is championing a cause that’s rooted in her personal story.

☑️ Routine maintenance: If you see folks working on manholes along Route 31 in Geneva this winter, that’s AT&T removing old cables. Their work shouldn’t impact traffic.

☑️ Upcoming entertainment: The Norris Cultural Arts Center in St. Charles recently announced its winter/spring concert lineup.

🔒 Gone fishin’: For avid muskie fishermen, there’s nothing better (aside from actually fishing) than the Muskie Expo Chicago, which took place this past weekend in St. Charles.

☑️ Unsung hero: Many public sector workers do amazing things without getting the recognition they deserve, so it’s great to see Geneva's Water & Wastewater Superintendent Bob VanGyseghem receive the IWEA 2023 Golden Manhole Award.

🏬 Local biz

🔒 Brand new HQ: Batavia plans to construct a new facility on the near east side that will house the Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry and Clothes Closet and the Access Christmas Toy Drive.

☑️ New Mexican joint: Taco Dale’s new Batavia location on Randall and Fabyan is now open.

🎸 Live music 

If the year was 1999, we’d be worrying about crowd control as we geared up to welcome a red-hot band to the Tri-Cities on Friday night — when Everclear is set to perform at The Arcada Theatre.

The year is 2024 (as you might be aware), but it’s still pretty cool to see a timeless national rock band come to town. Especially for those (like me) who were deep into the late 90s alternative rock scene.

Plus, we’ve got 35+ other shows lined up across Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles through Sunday. Let’s get to it.

🎈 Special events

Friday-Sunday

🎟️ The Cake by Bekah Brunstetter | Various times | Steel Beam Theatre | This unique, dramatic show puts the spotlight on a North Carolina baker and devout Christian who is faced with an agonizing choice between faith and family. Shows Friday and Saturday evening at 7:30PM, plus Sundays at 2PM, through Feb. 11.

Saturday

🎟️ Frosty Fest | 4:30-7:30PM | Red Oak Nature Center | Get the youngsters out in the fresh air for a winter wonderland adventure featuring wooded hikes, hot cocoa and roasted marshmallows.

Saturday-Monday

🎟️ Evanswood: A Multi Award Winning Illusionist | 7:30PM | Moonlight Theatre | St. Charles’ very own Terry Evanswood — now an internationally renowned magician — will put on four unbelievable shows over three days.

Next Friday (Feb. 2)

🎟️ “Black and Blanc” GCC Annual Celebration Dinner | 6PM | Eagle Brook Country Club | The Geneva Community Chest fundraiser event features an elegant dinner, fine wines and entertainment throughout.

🌖 Weather snapshot

🌧️ Today: High 39F | Low 34F | The onslaught continues

⛅ Friday: High 39F | Low 34F | Sun peeks out

☁️ Saturday: High 38F | Low 33F | Cloudy + mild

☁️ Sunday: High 37F | Low 29F | Still dry!

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