Animal Law

Wild Coyote in Downtown Chicago Serves Useful Rat-Control Function, Official Says

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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”

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