Ghosts of the Cities: Coyotes

Coyotes were originally known as ghosts of the plains, but more recently they are ghosts of the cities, because they are heard but not seen.  Although a relatively recent phenomenon, coyotes have become the top carnivores in an increasing number of metropolitan areas across our country, including Chicago.  However, we know very little about how coyotes have become successful in landscapes dominated by people.

The Urban Coyote Ecology and Management study is working to answer questions such as how coyotes have adapted to urban life and how man and coyote can co-exist.  The study traps adult coyotes and marks pups from natal dens during spring.  They are micro chipped, weighed and measured before being released back in the area from which they came.

Coyotes play an important role in the eco system.  They eat small rodents and other animals that might otherwise become out of control.  We need to learn to be able to identify coyotes, and keep our small children and small pets away from them.  They are useful in maintaining the balance of nature, but we must remember that they are wild animals and should not be touched or captured.

Many urban areas control the coyote population by simply clearing out ravines and canyons where they might live, and killing coyotes and everything else that lives there.  Hopefully there is a better way.  The Urban Coyote Ecology and Management study address several important questions that may help man and coyote co exist.  What are the full ramifications for people, pets and other wildlife when the coyote suddenly becomes a neighbor?  Do coyotes reside in urban areas because of an attraction to and benefit from human activities in urban areas?  These and many other questions will be answered as man studies the urban coyote and will hopefully find ways to control the population with decimating it.