Uptick in coyote sightings reported in Plainfield

PLAINFIELD, Ill. (WLS) -- Plainfield police report an increase in reports about sightings of coyotes in the southwest suburb in Will County.

In a statement, police reminded residents that "simply spotting a coyote is not necessarily a reason for concern."

The nocturnal animals typically do not cause problems, police said.

Police offered other tips for residents:

- Do not, under any circumstances, feed coyotes

- Remove all outdoor pet food

- Secure your garbage properly

- Do not allow small pets outdoors without supervision

What to do if you spot a coyote:

- Do not run

- Wave your hands in the air and appear as large as possible

- Make noise, yell or shout loudly at the coyote

- If walking your small pet, pick it up and hold it.

As a reminder, coyotes are a protected species of furbearer in the state of Illinois. It is illegal to hunt, trap, injure or re-locate them without the proper licensing through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, police said.