The county-wide resurgence of red foxes over the past two years, despite the continuing abundance of coyotes, is evidence of this. Northeastern Illinois University graduate student Marie Malo spent most of the summer investigating sightings of coyotes and foxes in DuPage County. People calling Willowbrook usually have one of two responses to the presence of these animals. Either they are afraid that the coyote or fox might represent a threat to their children or pets, or they are delighted to have the opportunity to observe these animals up-close and to enjoy the other benefits they provide. Golf course managers similarly welcome foxes and coyotes, hopeful that these predators might keep the Canada geese away, though Malo collected only one sighting of a coyote preying on a goose.
Foxes are less shy than coyotes.
Fear of these animals is understandable, but Malo turned up little cause for people to be concerned. Over the past two years, the only record of a person being bitten by either species was a fox bite that resulted when a boy reached his hand into a den. This is in comparison to hundreds of dog bites reported annually in DuPage County. Malo's review of reports from all over the continent revealed that coyotes and foxes are increasing in suburban areas generally, and bites tend to occur only when people feed the animals. Deliberate feeding should be absolutely avoided, and so should the inadvertent feeding that could result when, for instance, pet food is left in an outside dish after the dog or cat has finished eating.