Animal Law
Wild Coyote in Downtown Chicago Serves Useful Rat-Control Function, Official Says
A wild coyote running around downtown Chicago is not a threat to humans and serves a useful purpose by helping to keep the rodent population in check, a city animal control official tells the Chicago Tribune.
Illinois has fitted some coyotes with GPS devices and allows them to prowl for rodents in the city. The Tribune links to a video of the animal taken overnight as it patrolled along State Street in the Chicago Loop.
Coyotes are a growing presence in Chicago, a state Department of Natural Resources press release noted in 2004.
Related coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Pistol-Packing Texas Gov Isn’t Sorry He Shot Coyote, Despite Legal Questions”
Washington Post: “In suburban forest of Valley Forge, balancing coyotes vs. deer”
