Living With Wildlife
Coexisting safely with our suburban neighbors in Westchester
Illinois Wildlife Code: Many mammals, including coyotes, foxes, and skunks, are protected under the Illinois Wildlife Code (520 ILCS 5/2.2). It is illegal to harm or kill these animals without a permit from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
🗓️ Seasonal Wildlife Activity in Westchester
🌸 Spring
March - May
- Baby animals born — leave fawns and bunnies alone
- Geese nesting near ponds and parking lots
- Fox kits emerge from dens
- Coyote pups born in April
☀️ Summer
June - August
- Young animals learning to forage independently
- Peak activity for rabbits in yards
- Foxes teaching kits to hunt
- Skunks active at night eating grubs
🍂 Fall
September - November
- Deer mating season — watch for road crossings
- Animals foraging heavily before winter
- Coyotes more visible as vegetation thins
- Raccoons seeking winter den sites
❄️ Winter
December - February
- Wildlife seeking shelter under decks/sheds
- Fox and coyote breeding season (Jan-Feb)
- Tracks visible in snow — identify your visitors
- Deer congregating in wooded areas
Common Wildlife in Westchester
Red Foxes
Mostly NocturnalRed foxes are frequently spotted throughout Westchester, often near Salt Creek and in residential neighborhoods. They commonly den under sheds, decks, or in yards with dense vegetation.
Living With Foxes
- Foxes are generally shy and avoid humans
- They eat mice, voles, rabbits, and insects — natural pest control!
- A fox in your yard during the day isn't necessarily sick
- They may "cache" food by burying it in your yard
If Foxes Are Denning on Your Property
- Kits are typically born March-April
- Family will move on naturally by late summer
- After they leave, seal entry points to prevent return
- Use mild deterrents (lights, noise) only after kits are grown
Coyotes
Dawn & DuskCoyotes are established throughout the Chicago suburbs, including Westchester. They help control rodent and rabbit populations. While typically shy, they may become bold if fed by humans.
Safety Tips
- Never feed coyotes — this is the #1 cause of conflicts
- Keep small pets supervised, especially at dawn/dusk
- Secure garbage and remove fallen fruit
- Walk dogs on short leashes in known coyote areas
If You Encounter a Coyote
- "Haze" the coyote — make yourself big and loud
- Wave arms, clap, yell "Go away!"
- Never run — back away slowly while facing it
- Throw small objects toward (not at) it if needed
White-Tailed Deer
Dawn & DuskWhite-tailed deer are abundant in Westchester, often seen near Wolf Road, Salt Creek, and residential areas with mature trees. They are the leading cause of animal-vehicle collisions in Illinois.
Driving Safety
- Peak danger: October-December (mating season)
- Be especially alert at dawn and dusk
- If you see one deer, expect more — they travel in groups
- Don't swerve — brake firmly and stay in your lane
In Your Yard
- Never feed deer — it spreads disease and causes aggression
- Use deer-resistant plants: lavender, sage, ornamental grasses
- Does with fawns can be aggressive — keep your distance
Raccoons
NocturnalRaccoons thrive in Westchester due to abundant food and shelter. They're intelligent, dexterous, and can open many types of containers and latches.
Prevention Tips
- Use trash cans with locking lids or bungee cords
- Bring pet food inside at night
- Secure pet doors after dark
- Cap chimneys and trim tree branches near roof
Health Concerns
- Rabies risk — never approach or handle
- Can carry distemper and roundworm
- Raccoons active during day aren't necessarily sick
- Report raccoons that appear disoriented or aggressive
Striped Skunks
NocturnalSkunks are docile and beneficial, eating grubs, insects, and small rodents. Their spray is a last resort — they give plenty of warnings first.
Prevention Tips
- Secure trash and compost bins
- Remove pet food and water at night
- Seal openings under porches and sheds
- Use motion-activated lights or sprinklers
Warning Signs Before Spray
- Stamping front feet rapidly
- Hissing and raising tail high
- Turning rear toward you
- Back away slowly — you have time to escape!
Canada Geese
Year-RoundCanada geese are abundant in Westchester, especially near retention ponds, corporate parking lots, and grassy areas near water. Many no longer migrate south.
Why They're Here Year-Round
- Manicured lawns near water = perfect habitat
- Few natural predators in suburban areas
- Feeding by humans encourages them to stay
Safety Tips
- Never feed geese — causes aggression and pollution
- Nesting geese (March-May) can be very aggressive
- If charged, face them, stay calm, and back away slowly
- Do not turn your back or run
Opossums
NocturnalOpossums are North America's only marsupial. Despite their appearance, they're gentle, beneficial, and very unlikely to carry rabies due to their low body temperature.
Why Opossums Are Great Neighbors
- Eat up to 5,000 ticks per season
- Consume slugs, snails, and garden pests
- Clean up carrion and fallen fruit
- Very unlikely to have rabies
What to Do
- Leave them alone — they're beneficial!
- "Playing dead" is involuntary — wait and they'll leave
- If in your garage, open the door and wait overnight
- They're transient and will move on in 2-3 days
Eastern Cottontails
Dawn & DuskCottontail rabbits are extremely common in Westchester yards. They can have 3-4 litters per year, leading to large local populations.
Found a Nest?
- Leave it alone! Mom only visits at dawn/dusk to avoid attracting predators
- Nests are shallow depressions lined with fur and grass
- Babies leave the nest at only 3-4 weeks old
- Keep pets away; mark nest with sticks to monitor
Garden Protection
- Use chicken wire fencing buried 3-4 inches deep
- Plant rabbit-resistant flowers: marigolds, lavender
- Commercial repellents can help deter them
Hawks & Owls
Varies by SpeciesRed-tailed hawks, Cooper's hawks, and great horned owls are common in Westchester. They're federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and provide excellent rodent control.
Species You May See
- Red-tailed Hawks — large, often seen soaring or perched on poles
- Cooper's Hawks — bird feeders attract them (and their prey)
- Great Horned Owls — hooting at night, especially winter
Protecting Small Pets
- Hawks rarely take pets over 5 lbs, but supervise small animals
- Provide covered areas in your yard
- Keep cats indoors — cats kill billions of birds yearly
🍼 Found Baby Wildlife?
✅ Leave It Alone If...
- Baby rabbits with eyes open and ears up — they're independent at 3-4 weeks!
- Fawns lying quietly — mom left them hidden and will return
- Fledgling birds hopping on ground — parents are nearby feeding them
- Baby opossums over 7" long — old enough to survive alone
- Any baby that looks healthy and uninjured
📞 Get Help If...
- Animal is visibly injured or bleeding
- You know the mother is dead
- Animal is cold, wet, or covered in flies/maggots
- Baby bird is featherless and on the ground
- Animal was caught by a cat or dog
General Wildlife Guidelines
Never Feed Wildlife
Feeding makes animals dependent on humans and less afraid, leading to dangerous encounters.
Secure Your Property
Use locking lids on trash, remove food sources, and seal openings under decks and porches.
Protect Your Pets
Supervise pets outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk. Keep vaccinations current.
Report Concerns
Contact Police non-emergency for aggressive wildlife or animals that appear sick or injured.
Need Wildlife Removal?
The Village recommends licensed wildlife control professionals who can humanely address wildlife issues on your property.
Residents are responsible for costs associated with private property wildlife removal.
