Wildlife in La Grange Park

Are you concerned about seeing coyotes or foxes in La Grange Park? The Village is surrounded by Forest Preserve on three of its borders so its not uncommon for residents to see coyotes and foxes roaming the community.

Coyotes Foxes

The Village offers the following tips:

  • Get informed and visit the Forest Preserve’s webpage on coyotes:  CLICK HERE. 
  • Do not feed any wild animals such as squirrels or deer, as feeding them inadvertently encourages coyotes as well.  Remove bird feeders and outside pet food containers, since coyotes will prey upon small mammals that are attracted to birdseed and pet food.
  • Store garbage in secure containers and in areas where wild animals cannot access it.
  • Clear wood piles, brush piles, and other potential cover for coyotes and other wild animals.  Keep yards clean of refuse and brush.
  • Do not leave pets outside unattended.  Keep cats indoors.
  • Walk pets on a leash, especially at night.
  • Reinforce coyotes’ natural fear of humans by displaying aggressive behavior such as turning on outside lights, and making loud noises.
  • Encourage your neighbors to follow these same guidelines.

Coyotes are protected by Illinois state law and, as such, it is illegal for the general public to harm, trap or kill coyotes. 

Please be advised that Village police personnel do not respond to reports of coyote sightings, nuisance complaints of coyotes, or any other wild animal complaints unless the animal poses a clear and immediate threat to public health, safety or welfare. A vicious, injured, or any wild animal acting in a threatening manner or suspected of having rabies should be reported immediately by telephoning 9-1-1.

Foxes 

It is not uncommon for residents to find foxes living in their yard. Foxes are not a threat to pets or people and they do not attack humans 

If you’re worried about close encounters, do not leave pets outside unattended, do not leave pet food outside, and secure garbage cans. In order to deter a fox from an area, use loud noises, unpleasant smells, and frightening visuals (such as large balloons) to make the area appear unsafe and uninviting. NEVER feed the foxes or try to approach or pet them–this is critically important for their survival.

For additional information on how to deal with foxes in your yard, click here.

What can the Village do?

Please be advised that Village police personnel do not respond to reports of coyote sightings, nuisance complaints of coyotes or foxes, or any other wild animal complaints unless the animal poses a clear and immediate threat to public health, safety or welfare. A vicious, injured, or any wild animal acting in a threatening manner or suspected of having rabies should be reported immediately by telephoning 9-1-1.

If the presence of wildlife on private property becomes a nuisance, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to contact a professional contractor having the training, experience, equipment and the required trapping permits from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to safely resolve the situation.