Tinley Park Animal Control urges residents to be aware of their surroundings as coyotes prepare for winter and their mating season.

Coyotes are becoming more comfortable in neighborhoods, according to a news release from the village of Tinley Park. Residents should keep an eye on small pets, as they can become prey. Cats and small dogs should not be left unattended, whether it is day or night, because coyotes can climb fences.

Karen Schutt, animal control officer for Tinley Park, said yelling at coyotes is not effective. She offered some tips on how to deal with the issue.

"I encourage everyone to have a small arsenal of items that you can harass them with," Schutt said in the news release. "Walk with a walking stick, a strobe light, an air horn, a whistle, or a can with pennies. Use different items on different days. Keep the coyotes on their toes so they don't know what to expect."

Schutt said these actions will make coyotes uneasy and more likely to leave, the news release noted. It is important to get pets used to loud items so they do not panic when the items are used to deter coyotes. Another way to avoid coyote encounters is to walk on alternate routes, as coyotes can learn human behaviors. 

Coyotes will come out in the daytime during the winter season, according to the news release. They will hunt for food when the temperature is warmer during the day. Coyotes can also be seen on overcast days. Feeding coyotes and other wild animals by throwing food on the ground is not allowed due to village ordinance.