A coyote on Wednesday ran through a field outside J.B. Nelson Elementary School during a recess period, according to an online message from the school's principal.

The coyote took off through the field and then into a wooded area near the school, located on the city's east side. Students finished their recess indoors as a precaution, wrote J.B. Nelson Principal Melissa Kaczkowski in the message.

Coyote sightings near the school usually happen a couple times a year.

"At no time was there a safety issue but I made the decision so that we did not have any children try to chase the coyote or wander into the wooded area," Kaczkowski said in the message.

After the coyote sighting, the last recess period for second graders was held entirely indoors. The school usually holds three recess periods.

Coyotes are considered native to this area so animal control does not get involved, Kaczkowski said.

Coyote sightings have become more prevalent across the Chicago area, including Wheaton and Burr Ridge, and have resulted in some unexpected deaths of small pets.

Residents are encouraged not to feed coyotes or leave pets unattended after coyote sightings.