Coyote Management: Chicago vs New York
How do coyote management rules compare between Chicago, IL and New York, NY?
Chicago and New York have similar restriction levels.
Chicago, IL
Cook County
Chicago Animal Care and Control responds to aggressive urban coyotes inside city limits using non-lethal hazing first, with lethal removal only for confirmed public-safety threats. Cook County Forest Preserve District and IDNR oversee coyotes on preserve land and statewide under 520 ILCS 5.
View full Chicago rules →New York, NY
New York County
New York City Parks and DOHMH manage a small but growing coyote population through coexistence rather than removal. Residents are told to haze, secure trash, and never feed wildlife. NYS DEC bars relocation of healthy coyotes under Environmental Conservation Law and 6 NYCRR Part 180.
View full New York rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chicago | New York |
|---|---|---|
| City response | CACC, threats only | - |
| State authority | IDNR under 520 ILCS 5 | NYS DEC |
| Reporting | City 311; FPDCC police on preserves | - |
| Trapper permit | IDNR Nuisance Wildlife operator | - |
| Feeding rule | Prohibited as nuisance | - |
| Lead agency | - | NYC Parks Wildlife Unit |
| Feeding ban | - | Health Code §161 |
| Relocation rule | - | Prohibited for healthy coyotes |
| Permit pathway | - | DEC nuisance wildlife operator |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chicago FAQ
I see a coyote in my alley. Will the city remove it?
No. Routine sightings receive no field response. CACC and IDNR remove animals only after confirmed unprovoked attacks on people or pets. Haze the coyote with noise and report repeat sightings to 311.
Can I trap a coyote on my property?
Only by hiring an IDNR-licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator. Self-trapping without a permit violates 520 ILCS 5 and Cook County animal-control rules. Most NWCOs charge $300 to $600 per setup.
New York FAQ
I saw a coyote in my neighborhood — should I call 911?
Only if it is acting aggressively or injured. Otherwise call 311 to log a sighting. NYC Parks tracks reports and provides hazing guidance; healthy coyotes are not relocated under DEC policy.
Can a private trapper remove a coyote from my yard?
Only a licensed nuisance wildlife control operator with a DEC permit may handle coyotes, and only when the specific animal is documented as aggressive. Routine removal of healthy coyotes is prohibited statewide.
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