Cyndi Loza

Coyotes captured by the City of Wheaton had various stages of mange and human-prepared food, according to a press release from the city.

During the week of March 8, five coyotes were captured by the City’s licensed trapper as part of a coyote trapping program. The program was in response to reports of aggressive coyote behavior and reports from residents that some of the coyotes appeared to have health-related issues.

All five of the captured coyotes had various stages of mange, ranging from slight to severe. In addition, three of the coyotes were determined to have cooked vegetables, dog food, cat food or bread in their digestive systems. The presence of these foods suggests that the coyotes were being fed by residents, according to city officials.

As a result of these findings, the City will be reviewing its existing ordinances to determine whether or not adjustments need to be made to further restrict these types of activities.

City officials strongly recommend residents not feed coyotes or leave foods outdoors for wild animals. Coyotes are attracted to locations where food is readily available, and officials said residents who feed the coyotes are encouraging the coyotes’ to live in local neighborhoods.

The city’s coyote trapping activities generally took place in the area bounded by Naperville Road on the east, Roosevelt Road on the north, the Illinois Prairie Path on the west and Loretto Lane extending on the south.