A trapper hired by the Village of Arlington Heights trapped four males and three females between Feb. 23 and March 5 near the Randhill Park Cemetery and Shalom Memorial Park (Route 53 and Rand Road).

On Target A.D.C. (Cortland, IL) owner Robert Erickson said that DNA and blood samples were taken from the animals and forwarded to the Urban Coyote Study. The coyotes weighed between 24 and 31 pounds.

Wildlife experts warn that relocating problem wildlife is not the proper solution. But residents were firm about having them removed. One resident reported seeing two coyotes following children walking to Greenbrier School at 2330 N. Verde Drive.

Coyotes attack cats as prey and dogs as potential competitors. Small dogs have also been prey. Cats that roam free are vulnerable. Dogs that are left unattended, even in fenced yards, are also at risk. Small dogs have been attacked and eaten by coyotes in Arlington Heights.

People indirectly feed coyotes via bird feeders and uncovered compost piles, which attract small animals that are also prey for the coyotes.