But if it seems coyote sightings are much more common of late, it's because young males are staking out their turf for the mating season. They view any small animals, such as cats and small-to-medium-sized dogs in their path, as enemies that must be eliminated.
In a two-week span late last year, three dogs were killed by coyotes in Wheaton, a community that is especially diligent at keeping the public aware of such attacks. Their awareness campaign followed an unpopular attempt three years ago to trap the coyotes.
You can read the full story in the Daily Herald's edition from Sunday, January 12, 2013, or online at dailyherald.com.
