The Urban Coyote, Reconsidered

Researchers are now discovering that the urban coyote plays a valuable role in restoring the food chain for the benefit of birds and other species.

1 minute read

May 2, 2011, 9:00 AM PDT

By Tim Halbur

Coyotes live in cities ranging from Austin to Denver, from Los Angeles County to New York's Westchester County.

"Cities have put more and more resources toward creating green spaces-butterfly gardens, parks, natural areas in golf courses," says Stan Gehrt, an Ohio State University biologist who leads the Cook County, Illinois, Coyote Project, which has captured, released, and tracked more than 500 coyotes in Chicago since 2000. "They want a sense of nature. But when nature starts using it, some people get upset. We'd argue that coyotes are an important part of the natural world, even in cities." In fact, despite their relative invisibility and shady reputation, Gehrt has found that the canids play a significant role in the urban ecosystem, helping to keep in check populations of everything from Canada geese to deer.

FULL STORY: Ghost Dogs

Sunday, May 1, 2011 in Audobon Magazine

Environment United States Urban Coyotes

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