Graceland Cemetery Bans Dogs Due to ‘Highly Territorial’ Coyote Parents Protecting Their Newborn Pups

Science & Nature

Graceland Cemetery Bans Dogs Due to ‘Highly Territorial’ Coyote Parents Protecting Their Newborn Pups

Patty Wetli | June 4, 2025, 2:36 pm

A coyote mom with pup are pictured in a file photo. (twildlife / iStock)

Graceland Cemetery’s newest residents — a litter of coyote pups — are causing a stir.

The historical burial site has long been home to urban coyotes, some of which have just become parents and “are highly territorial at this time,” protecting their newborn pups, cemetery officials stated on social media.

The adult coyotes “have exhibited aggressive behavior to dogs brought in by visitors,” officials said, resulting in a temporary ban on dogs from cemetery grounds.

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors

The public should expect further updates when dogs are allowed to return.

For people visiting Graceland, officials said, “Stay on designated paths, do not attempt to approach or photograph the coyotes.” If a coyote is encountered, don’t run — back away slowly and make yourself larger.

Coyotes have proven highly adaptable to Chicago’s urban environment and there are an estimated 2,000 in Cook County, according to the Urban Coyote Research Project.

Despite their numbers, coyotes tend to shy away from humans, with defensive posturing during pupping season a notable exception. Still there has never been a documented coyote attack on humans, according to Chicago Animal Care and Control.

Coyotes are protected under Illinois wildlife law. Removal is only considered if a coyote poses an imminent danger to human safety or health. Threatening behavior should be reported to 311.

Journalist Robert Loerzel has documented numerous coyote sightings at Graceland over the years. Here’s a favorite.