Alderman wants to use coyotes to help city's rat problem

CHICAGO (WLS) -- There's an interesting proposal to deal with Chicago's rat problem: one alderman wants to use coyotes to get rid of them.

Alderman Brian Hopkins (2nd Ward) wants to create an ordinance so animal control wouldn't waste time trying to trap coyotes. He says since they feast on rats and rodents, they are actually beneficial to urban areas.

"We're in the middle of a rodent population explosion. Coyotes are some of our best allies right now in trying to control the rodent population in Chicago," Ald. Hopkins said.

The exception to his proposed rule would be if the coyote posed a threat.