What to do if you spot a coyote in Chicago

The big picture: Late spring and early summer are pup-rearing seasons when coyotes actively forage for food for their young, leading to sightings in all areas, including densely populated centers like the Loop and adjacent neighborhoods.

State of play: Cook County's coyote population is about 1,700, according to Forest Preserves of Cook County senior wildlife biologist Chris Anchor.

What to expect: Coyotes belong to the dog family and have pointed ears, a drooping, bushy tail, and are usually grayish-brown with reddish tinges behind the ears and on the face.

• Coyotes prefer wooded patches and shrubbery in urban areas, the project's website explains, as that allows them to hide from people.

Between the lines: Coyotes will eat the rats that scurry in our alleys and on sidewalks, but it's not their sole focus, Anchor says. They'll eat whatever animal or plant they can.

What to do: If you see a coyote, don't freak out. They actually are generally wary of humans, Anchor says.

The Urban Coyote Research Project offers these tips to avoid a dangerous confrontation.

• Don't feed them, which can make coyotes lose their fear of humans and pets.
• Don't let pets roam free, even in fenced yards, and keep them on a leash when hiking.

• Don't run. Instead, shout or throw something in its direction (not AT it) like a bag of rocks.
• Don't create unnecessary conflict. If the animal isn't bothering you, don't provoke it.
• Report aggressive, fearless coyotes to Chicago Animal Care and Control immediately. Signs of aggression include unprovoked barking, snarling, growling and lunging. Also, call CACC if the coyotes appear injured or trapped.

Yes, but: Don't call CACC if coyotes are going about their business and not acting aggressively.

The bottom line: Even the most urbane among us can't escape nature completely. We need to coexist with all creatures, but don't be careless. And maybe hold your small pup a little closer this month.