Urban Coyotes Research Articles

Linking Objects for Traumatic Companion Animal Loss

A thirty-seven-year-old female suffers traumatic loss when a pack of urban coyotes attacks, mutilates, and kills her 12-year-old pocket beagle, Boogie. Female client endures problematic grief seven-plus months in nature. Among many other symptoms, she experiences intense sorrow, preoccupation with the deceased, and functional impairment. Client and I have been addressing her grief through a series of weekly, 90-minute sessions. In this fourth session, I introduce and articulate the experiential concept of linking objects.

Coyote scat in cities increases risk of human exposure to an emerging zoonotic disease in North America

IntroductionZoonoses associated with urban wildlife are increasingly concerning for human health and include the recent emergence of alveolar echinococcosis (AE) in North America. AE develops following infection with the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis. In Alberta, up to 65% of urban coyotes (Canis latrans) are infected with E. multilocularis, and infected scats contain eggs that can be accidentally ingested by people. Our goal was to determine the predictors of infection prevalence and intensity in coyote scats in Edmonton, Canada, and to identify the predictors of coyote scat deposition and content, especially as related to anthropogenic food sources and infrastructure.MethodsTo study infection prevalence and intensity, volunteers collected 269 scats, which were tested for E. multilocularis using polymerase chain reaction. We compared infection prevalence and shedding intensity by habitat and scat content. To determine predictors of scat presence and content, we used snow tracking to identify 1263 scats. We compared landscape characteristics at scats and available points, and among scats with different contents. We used negative binomial regression to predict scat abundance in city-delineated green spaces.Results26.0% of tested scats were positive for E. multilocularis (n = 70), and infection was twice as common as expected near compost and 1.3x more common than expected when scats contained anthropogenic food. Scats were more common than expected near other scats (80% within 1 m of scats, 27% at 11.5 m), buildings (19% at buildings, 16% at 80 m), and the camps of people experiencing homelessness (24% at camps, 20% at 60 m). Scats frequently contained fruit (52.9%), anthropogenic material (36.7%), and birdseed (16.0%), and scats containing anthropogenic material often occurred near human infrastructure, supporting a relationship between anthropogenic attractants and scat accumulation.DiscussionThese results suggest that abundant food sources and anthropogenic food increase coyote aggregation, increasing both scat abundance and infection rates, which in turn increases risk of exposure to zoonotic parasites for humans. Risk to humans might be reduced by preventing coyote access to anthropogenic and aggregated food sources and educating people who are likely to encounter infected soil or vegetation, including gardeners, park users, and people experiencing homelessness.

Writing as Resurgent Presencing: An Urban Coyote Curriculum

In this article, I contemplate the importance of writing to my wellbeing; I reflect on how urban Indigenous presence is enacted and theorized; and I consider an encounter with a coyote during a daily walk. These three narratives are brought together through a textual weaving or métissage. Through this interweaving, and by enacting place-based, relational storying, I undertake a curricular inquiry into presence and presencing. This contemplative inquiry emerges from a particular time and place: from deep in the second winter of the COVID-19 pandemic, from my positionality as an urban Indigenous person, and from my day-to-day existence as a scholar and human being.

Age-dependent relationships among diet, body condition, and Echinococcus multilocularis infection in urban coyotes.

Urban coyotes (Canis latrans) in North America increasingly exhibit a high prevalence of Echinococcus multilocularis, a cestode of recent and rising public health concern that uses rodents as intermediate hosts and canids as definitive hosts. However, little is known about the factors that drive the high urban prevalence of this parasite. We hypothesized that the diet of urban coyotes may contribute to their higher E. multilocularis infection prevalence via either (a) greater exposure to the parasite from increased rodent consumption or (b) increased susceptibility to infection due to the negative health effects of consuming anthropogenic food. We tested these hypotheses by comparing the presence and intensity of E. multilocularis infection to physiological data (age, sex, body condition, and spleen mass), short-term diet (stomach contents), and long-term diet (δ13C and δ15N stable isotopes) in 112 coyote carcasses collected for reasons other than this study from Edmonton, Alberta and the surrounding area. Overall, the best predictor of infection status in this population was young age, where the likelihood of infection decreased with age in rural coyotes but not urban ones. Neither short- nor long-term measures of diet could predict infection across our entire sample, but we found support for our initial hypotheses in young, urban coyotes: both rodent and anthropogenic food consumption effectively predicted E. multilocularis infection in this population. The effects of these predictors were more variable in rural coyotes and older coyotes. We suggest that limiting coyote access to areas in which anthropogenic food and rodent habitat overlap (e.g., compost piles or garbage sites) may effectively reduce the risk of infection, deposition, and transmission of this emerging zoonotic parasite in urban areas.

Perceived and desired outcomes of urban coyote management methods

Abstract Coyote (Canis latrans) management becomes increasingly necessary as the species' range expands, but some methods may be controversial in urban landscapes. Understanding why the public considers certain methods acceptable may help decrease conflict between residents and wildlife managers. We surveyed 4000 registered voters in New Hanover County, North Carolina, to evaluate attitudes toward three coyote management methods: no management, public education and trap/euthanasia. We used the expectancy-value model and multinomial logistic regression models to determine which public beliefs and desires regarding outcomes of each coyote management method predicted acceptance of each method. Attitudes of respondents who accepted a method differed from those who rejected the method. Positive attitudes toward no management were influenced by outcomes involving a natural death for coyotes and family, pet and personal safety. Positive attitudes toward public education were influenced by outcomes involving family safety, public participation, fewer coyotes and for coyotes to avoid an inhumane death. Positive attitudes toward trap/euthanasia were influenced by outcomes for coyotes avoiding an unnatural and inhumane death, pet safety and public participation. Understanding the public's beliefs and desires regarding coyote management methods will help wildlife managers tailor public education programs, resolve controversies regarding alternative management methods and improve future wildlife management decisions.

Urban coyotes select cryptic den sites near human development where conflict rates increase

AbstractThe establishment of coyote (Canis latrans) populations in urban areas across North America has been accompanied by increased rates of human–coyote conflict. One factor thought to promote physical conflict between coyotes and people or pets is the presence of coyote pups near natal dens; however, this idea has not been tested, and no multivariate study of den selection within cities has occurred. Our objectives were to conduct a multivariate analysis of third‐ (i.e., home range) and fourth‐order (i.e., den sites) habitat selection at dens and determine whether proximity to dens is associated with reports of physical conflict with coyotes. We found 120 dens by following coyote trails using snow tracking within urban green spaces that comprise presumed high‐quality habitat for coyotes in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. We used resource selection functions to assess habitat selection for dens, testing variables related to land cover and anthropogenic features at the third order, and testing microsite habitat features via paired sites at the fourth order. We defined conflict encounters from comments in a community reporting database and used general linear models to assess their spatial proximity to the nearest den and prevalence during the pup‐rearing period compared to the rest of the year. Habitat selection was strongest at the fourth order, wherein coyotes selected for abundant hiding cover, steep slopes, and eastern exposure. The prevalence of physical conflict with coyotes increased during the pup‐rearing period. Conflict also increased near known dens as an overall effect and when reports occurred outside of naturalized urban areas. These results suggest that coyotes in Edmonton den in green spaces near human development in microsites that minimize detection by people via steep slopes and dense vegetation. We suggest urban wildlife managers increase public safety education about recognition of coyote denning habitat and coyote defensive behaviors, especially outside of naturalized urban areas, because of the observed increase in physical conflict near dens.

Spatiotemporal relationships of coyotes and free-ranging domestic cats as indicators of conflict in Culver City, California.

As habitat generalists, urban coyote (Canis latrans) populations often utilize an abundance of diverse food sources in cities. Within southern California, domestic cats (Felis catus) comprise a higher proportion of coyote diets than in other studied urban areas throughout the United States. However, it is unclear which ecological factors contribute to higher rates of cat depredation by coyotes in this region. While previous research suggests that coyote presence may have a negative effect on free-ranging domestic cat distributions, few studies have determined whether urban green spaces affect coyote or free-ranging domestic cat occurrence and activity within a predominantly urbanized landscape. We placed 20 remote wildlife cameras across a range of green spaces and residential sites in Culver City, California, an area of Los Angeles County experiencing pronounced coyote-domestic cat conflict. Using data collected across 6 months from 2019–2020, we assessed the influence of green space and prey species (i.e., cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus spp.) and domestic cats) on coyote habitat use and activity. Coyotes exhibited a preference for sites with higher amounts of green space, while domestic cat habitat use was high throughout our study region. Although cottontail rabbit habitat use was also highly associated with urban green space, neither cottontails nor domestic cats appeared to temporally overlap significantly with coyotes. Unlike other cities where coyotes and domestic cats exhibit strong habitat partitioning across the landscape, domestic cats and coyotes spatially overlapped in green space fragments throughout Culver City. We suggest that this pattern of overlap may be responsible for the frequent cases of domestic cat depredation by coyotes in Culver City.

DNA metabarcoding reveals that coyotes in New York City consume wide variety of native prey species and human food.

Carnivores are currently colonizing cities where they were previously absent. These urban environments are novel ecosystems characterized by habitat degradation and fragmentation, availability of human food, and different prey assemblages than surrounding areas. Coyotes (Canis latrans) established a breeding population in New York City (NYC) over the last few decades, but their ecology within NYC is poorly understood. In this study, we used non-invasive scat sampling and DNA metabarcoding to profile vertebrate, invertebrate, and plant dietary items with the goal to compare the diets of urban coyotes to those inhabiting non-urban areas. We found that both urban and non-urban coyotes consumed a variety of plants and animals as well as human food. Raccoons (Procyon lotor) were an important food item for coyotes within and outside NYC. In contrast, white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) were mainly eaten by coyotes inhabiting non-urban areas. Domestic chicken (Gallus gallus) was the human food item found in most scats from both urban and non-urban coyotes. Domestic cats (Felis catus) were consumed by urban coyotes but were detected in only a small proportion of the scats (<5%), which differs markedly from high rates of cat depredation in some other cities. In addition, we compared our genetic metabarcoding analysis to a morphological analysis of the same scat samples. We found that the detection similarity between the two methods was low and it varied depending on the type of diet item.

Cultivating scientific literacy and a sense of place through course-based urban ecology research.

Undergraduate research experiences have been shown to increase engagement, improve learning outcomes, and enhance career development for students in ecology. However, these opportunities may not be accessible to all students, and incorporating inquiry‐based research directly into undergraduate curricula may help overcome barriers to participation and improve representation and inclusion in the discipline. The shift to online instruction during the COVID‐19 pandemic has imposed even greater challenges for providing students with authentic research experiences, but the pandemic may also provide a unique opportunity for creative projects conducted remotely. In this paper, I describe a course‐based undergraduate research experience (CURE) designed for an upper‐level ecology course at California State University, Dominguez Hills during remote learning. The primary focus of student‐led research activities was to explore the potential impacts of the depopulation of campus during the pandemic on urban coyotes (Canis latrans), for which there were increased sightings reported during this time. Students conducted two research studies, including an evaluation of urban wildlife activity, behavior, and diversity using camera traps installed throughout campus and analysis of coyote diet using data from scat dissections. Students used the data they generated and information from literature reviews, class discussions, and meetings with experts to develop a coyote monitoring and management plan for our campus and create posters to educate the public. Using the campus as a living laboratory, I aimed to engage students in meaningful research while cultivating a sense of place, despite being online. Students’ research outcomes and responses to pre‐ and post‐course surveys highlight the benefits of projects that are anchored in place‐based education and emphasize the importance of ecological research for solving real‐world problems. CUREs focused on local urban ecosystems may be a powerful way for instructors to activate ecological knowledge and capitalize on the cultural strengths of students at urban universities.

Borrelia burgdorferi exposure in coyotes: an indicator of B. burgdorferi levels in urban versus rural environments

PICO question&#x0D; Do wild coyotes in the US that are in an urban habitat compared to a rural habitat have a higher prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi seroconversion?&#x0D; &#x0D; Clinical bottom line&#x0D; Category of research question&#x0D; Prevalence&#x0D; The number and type of study designs reviewed&#x0D; Two papers, both utilising a cross-sectional study design&#x0D; Strength of evidence&#x0D; Zero&#x0D; Outcomes reported&#x0D; The relevant studies provide very limited to no evidence towards answering this PICO question. In one, while the absolute percentage of Borrelia-antibody-positive canines (including dogs in addition to coyotes) is higher in metropolitan areas, the effect was not found to be statistically significant, possibly due to their small sample sizes. In the second study, prevalence of antibodies against Borrelia was compared between different rural habitats, but no urban coyotes were tested as a comparison and thus the PICO question cannot be evaluated&#x0D; Conclusion&#x0D; There is a knowledge gap concerning the prevalence of Borrelia in coyotes and how it differs between urban and rural environments. Wild coyotes could be used as a sentinel species of Lyme disease activity and to assess potential for domestic pet and human infections, which would inform clinical differential diagnoses as well as testing and vaccination recommendations. More studies are needed before this PICO question can be answered in a confident manner&#x0D; &#x0D; How to apply this evidence in practice&#x0D; The application of evidence into practice should take into account multiple factors, not limited to: individual clinical expertise, patient’s circumstances and owners’ values, country, location or clinic where you work, the individual case in front of you, the availability of therapies and resources.&#x0D; Knowledge Summaries are a resource to help reinforce or inform decision making. They do not override the responsibility or judgement of the practitioner to do what is best for the animal in their care.&#x0D; &#x0D;

Individual animal geographies for the more-than-human city: Storying synanthropy and cynanthropy with urban coyotes

Recent efforts within geography to deconstruct anthropocentric readings of the urban and explore the city as ‘multispecies’ or ‘more-than-human’ face substantial methodological challenges. This paper contributes an empirical case study of human-coyote urban cohabitations in the Greater Toronto Area, Canada, using a ‘hybrid’ methodological approach to individual animal geographies. It builds on dialogues surrounding animals’ geographies that centre individual animal lifeworlds and experiences, exploring coyotes as subjects and actors who participate in the co-creation of shared urban worlds. A methodological approach based on collaboration and storying recounts the tales of two coyotes – Urban10 and Blondie – and their kin whose stories are gleaned by weaving together diverse social and ecological research tools, including: participant observation with Coyote Watch Canada, document review, semi-structured interviews, GPS collar data, field investigations, ethological observations, and trail cameras. The discussion details implications in terms of cynanthropy – ‘becoming-canid’ as methodology, delving into coyote lifeworlds using hybrid tools – as well as synanthropy – coyote synurbization and more-than-human urban belongings. Dwelling with Urban10 and Blondie in cynanthropic exploration makes visible opportunities for multispecies researchers to generate knowledge collaboratively with other-than-humans. Findings surrounding synanthropy highlight the practices involved in adapting to and participating, ecologically and socially, in life in the multispecies city. Overall, this paper advances efforts aimed at developing innovative and experimental hybrid methodologies for animal geographies, and theoretical discussions around re-storying the more-than-human city towards livable multispecies futures.

Individual and Temporal Variation in Use of Residential Areas by Urban Coyotes

Coyotes (Canis latrans) have established populations in most major urban centers across North America. While the risk of attacks on humans or their pets is low, the presence of carnivores in areas with high human use has resulted in increased public concern. Having a clearer understanding of which animals are more likely to interact with humans and when interactions are more likely to occur will help mitigate human-carnivore conflicts. Despite clear broad-scale patterns of human avoidance, human-coyote interactions occur most frequently in residential areas. Our purpose was to determine if use of residential areas varied consistently across individuals or time. We used locations from GPS collars deployed on 14 coyotes in the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada from 2012 to 2017 to fit a step selection function. Average (±SE) home range size estimates were 17.3 ± 4.6 km2 for resident coyotes and 102.8 ± 32.9 km2 for non-residents. We found that coyotes used natural areas more (β = 0.07, SE = 0.02, p &amp;lt; 0.0001), and roads (β = −0.50, SE = 0.13, p &amp;lt; 0.0001) and residential areas (β = −0.79, SE = 0.21, p = 0.0001) less during the day than at night. We also found that coyotes were more likely to use residential areas in the breeding season from January to April (β = 0.69, SE = 0.20, p = 0.0007) and the pup rearing season from May to August (β = 0.54, SE = 0.13, p &amp;lt; 0.0001) than in the dispersal season from September to December. Lastly, we found that resident coyotes were less likely to use residential areas than non-resident coyotes (β = −1.13, SE = 0.26, p &amp;lt; 0.0001). As far as we are aware, our study is the first to identify the seasons when coyotes are more likely to use residential areas. The seasonal patterns in habitat use that we observed reflect patterns that have been previously reported for human-coyote conflicts. Our results demonstrate that reducing the availability of anthropogenic food sources in residential areas, particularly in the winter and spring, should be a priority for managers aiming to reduce human-coyote conflict in urban areas.

Inter-population differences in coyote diet and niche width along an urban–suburban–rural gradient

AbstractMany generalist species thrive in urban environments by supplementing their diets with anthropogenic food, which creates numerous challenges for managing urban wildlife. Management could be advanced with more information on how spatial and temporal variation in habitat use by urban animals predicts variation in their dietary ecology. In this study, we used stable isotope analysis complemented with GPS collar location data to determine how diet composition and the dietary niche of coyotes (Canis latrans) varied across a sample of 169 individuals collected along an urban-to-rural gradient in Alberta, Canada. We further categorized urban individuals as either matrix (frequent use of developed areas) or greenspace (use of natural areas) via GPS locations. Matrix coyotes were isotopically distinct from all other coyote populations: they had the largest dietary niche, exhibited the most among-individual variation in diet, consumed the most anthropogenic food and fruit, and consumed the least amount of prey. Greenspace coyotes consumed more anthropogenic food than rural and suburban coyotes but otherwise exhibited similar niche width, among-individual heterogeneity, and prey consumption. We further tested for seasonal dietary variation and found that urban coyotes had a larger dietary niche during the summer, when they also consumed more anthropogenic food. Our conclusions were robust to our choice of mixing model parameters, including discrimination factors, suggesting that these methodological choices have limited effect when discerning relative trends among populations. Overall, our results suggest that management of urban coyotes should target the food sources accessible to coyotes in the urban matrix to reduce human–coyote conflict.

The impact of language in conflicts over urban coyotes

Abstract Wildlife managers and others charged with resolving human-coyote conflict in urban and suburban areas cannot focus solely on ecology and coyote behavior. The perceptions of the people living in the affected communities play a significant role in the resolution of human-coyote conflict. In this study, we explore how residents of two communities in suburban Denver, CO, USA, mentally processed, made sense of, and acted upon human–coyote interactions in the face of conflict. By conducting interviews and using qualitative content analysis to explore existing documents, we examined how the use of language reflected and exacerbated the conflict over coyote management. Themes of violence, crime and war ran throughout our data. Anger and accusations of extremism were prevalent. Closely tied to the violent language and imagery used was a discussion of tolerance and intolerance, taking what is generally human-centric language and using it with wildlife. In addition, labeling coyotes as not belonging in an area (although they are a native species) further increased the urge to protect family and pets from the perception of the threat against ‘the other’, sometimes expressed in inflammatory language. Political and other messaging can either enhance or reduce a sense of threat, and we found that the language used in this debate enhanced the perceived threat of both coyotes and policy opponents. Finding ways to defuse this language could be a step toward a greater understanding of how to live with local wildlife in a way that minimizes harm to people and to the animals.

An altered microbiome in urban coyotes mediates relationships between anthropogenic diet and poor health

Generalist species able to exploit anthropogenic food sources are becoming increasingly common in urban environments. Coyotes (Canis latrans) are one such urban generalist that now resides in cities across North America, where diseased or unhealthy coyotes are frequently reported in cases of human-wildlife conflict. Coyote health and fitness may be related to habitat use and diet via the gut microbiome, which has far-reaching effects on animal nutrition and physiology. In this study, we used stomach contents, stable isotope analysis, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, and measures of body condition to identify relationships among habitat use, diet, fecal microbiome composition, and health in urban and rural coyotes. Three distinct relationships emerged: (1) Urban coyotes consumed more anthropogenic food, which was associated with increased microbiome diversity, higher abundances of Streptococcus and Enterococcus, and poorer average body condition. (2) Conversely, rural coyotes harbored microbiomes rich in Fusobacteria, Sutterella, and Anaerobiospirillum, which were associated with protein-rich diets and improved body condition. (3) Diets rich in anthropogenic food were associated with increased abundances of Erysipelotrichiaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Coriobacteriaceae, which correlated with larger spleens in urban coyotes. Urban coyotes also had an increased prevalence of the zoonotic parasite Echinococcus multilocularis, but there were no detectable connections between parasite infection and microbiome composition. Our results demonstrate how the consumption of carbohydrate-rich anthropogenic food by urban coyotes alters the microbiome to negatively affect body condition, with potential relationships to parasite susceptibility and conflict-prone behavior.

Using community science data to investigate urban Coyotes (Canis latrans) in Atlanta, Georgia, USA

ABSTRACT Coyote activity was investigated in Atlanta, Georgia from 2015 to 2018 using publicly collected data. More than 500 reports were received annually (1,672 total) and analysis revealed bias toward areas of higher income and education. Human-coyote encounters, defined as an interaction at close range, were rare (196; 12% of observations), but 124 of those reports (63%) indicated the presence of pets nearby. Coyotes were less likely to be observed in areas of high human population density, farmland, and managed clearing, and more likely to be seen in riparian wetlands and areas of low-density development (e.g., parks, golf courses, large-lot homes). Coyote sightings are now relatively common in Atlanta and their presence is generally benign. However, negative coyote interactions do occur and pets should be kept under close supervision and coyote access to anthropogenic food resources prevented. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of using community science to understand urban coyotes.

Efficacy of motion-activated sprinklers as a humane deterrent for urban coyotes

ABSTRACT Non-lethal management methods for urban coyotes are limited despite an increase in human-coyote conflicts in North American cities. Deterrent devices are recommended to reduce human-coyote conflict; however, no scientific studies have assessed the efficacy of deterrents with urban coyotes. This article investigated the short-term efficacy of motion-activated sprinklers for deterring urban coyotes from residential areas in the Metro Vancouver Regional District of British Columbia. Camera traps were used to monitor coyote activity over three consecutive phases: pre-deterrent, deterrent, and post-deterrent. Sprinklers significantly reduced the daily mean number of coyote visits during the deterrent phase compared to the pre-deterrent phase. There were no significant differences in the daily mean number of coyote visits between the pre-deterrent and post-deterrent phases, however mean duration of visits significantly decreased. This article offers evidence that sprinklers may reduce the presence of coyotes in residential areas, thereby encouraging future research into the development and implementation of humane deterrents for urban coyotes.

Public attitudes toward urban foxes and coyotes: the roles of perceived risks and benefits, political ideology, ecological worldview, and attention to local news about urban wildlife

ABSTRACT This paper examines public attitudes toward urban red foxes and coyotes in Madison, Wisconsin (US), and the roles that perceived risks and benefits, attention to local news about urban wildlife, political ideology, and ecological worldview play in an individual’s attitude toward these species. Data were collected using an in-person survey at four public events around Madison from July to August 2017 (n = 163, response rate = 47%). Results showed that perceived benefits, perceived risks, and ecological worldview were significant predictors of attitudes toward both urban coyotes and foxes. Although political ideology and attention to local news about urban wildlife were not significant predictors of attitudes toward urban foxes or coyotes, these concepts interacted in predicting attitudes toward urban coyotes. This study demonstrated the importance for wildlife managers to consider attention to news about urban wildlife and political ideology, as well as developing separate communications for different species.

Golf Courses as Potential Habitat for Urban Coyotes

ABSTRACTWildlife increasingly live in and adapt to urban landscapes as natural habitat becomes urbanized. Many carnivores take advantage of undeveloped or open developed areas called green spaces, such as parks or cemeteries, to meet their requirements in urban areas. For instance, coyotes (Canis latrans) expanded their range across most of North America into metropolitan areas and even within highly developed areas, where home ranges of coyotes are associated with green spaces or areas that humans used least. Golf courses are a unique type of green space within urban landscapes that can provide cover and prey for coyotes, as well as limit human presence, especially at night and during the winter off‐season. We estimated selection of golf courses and urban green spaces by coyotes within the Chicago Metropolitan Area, Illinois, USA (2009 to 2012) that had access to golf courses (home range composed of &gt;3% golf course; n = 30) using radiotelemetry. We found that coyotes selected for golf courses more at night and during the off‐season, indicating that they were responding to the decreased human presence during this time. Spatial status (resident vs. transient) and the amount of developed land in a home range did not influence selection of golf courses. Conversely, selection of urban green spaces was greater in the summer for transients and with proportion of developed land, but not influenced by time of day. However, there was considerable intra‐ and inter‐individual variability in coyote selection of both golf courses and urban green spaces. Individual variability could be driven by coyote characteristics (i.e., prey preferences, natal habitat, or social status) or by golf course and urban green space characteristics (i.e., landscaping, golfing hours, average human occupancy, or tolerance by personnel). © 2020 The Wildlife Society.

Coyotes living near cities are bolder: implications for dog evolution and human-wildlife conflict

Abstract How animal populations adapt to human modified landscapes is central to understanding modern behavioural evolution and improving wildlife management. Coyotes (Canis latrans) have adapted to human activities and thrive in both rural and urban areas. Bolder coyotes showing reduced fear of humans and their artefacts may have an advantage in urban environments. We analysed the reactions of 636 coyotes to novel human artefacts (camera traps) at 575 sites across the state of North Carolina. Likelihood of a coyote approaching the camera increased with human housing density suggesting that urban coyotes are experiencing selection for boldness and becoming more attracted to human artefacts. This has implications for both human-wildlife conflict and theories of dog domestication. We also note physical traits in coyotes that could be the result of domestication-related selection pressures, or dog hybridization.