A BROAD PERSPECTIVE ON CURRENT AND FUTURE RESEARCH ON URBAN COYOTES

Authors

John A. Shivik, USDA, APHIS, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USAFollow
Kathleen A. Fagerstone, USDA, APHIS, Wildlife Services National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, CO, USA

Date of this Version

April 2007

Comments

Published in the Proceedings of the 12th Wildlife Damage Management Conference (D.L. Nolte, W.M. Arjo, D.H. Stalman, Eds). 2007.

Abstract

A change in wildlife management appears to be occurring. Previous efforts needed to be focused on producing more game species or endangered animals; now, however, tools and training must resolve issues of overabundance and conflict with predators, especially species such as coyotes (Canis latrans) in urban areas. Urban conflicts with coyotes may be growing because of urban development of land and human intrusion, but alteration of habitats that attract coyotes is also a likely factor. Research that will describe basic coyote biology in urban areas will be needed, but managers will also need applied research and development of new tools and techniques that can be used where current methods are not appropriate or desirable. Lastly, communication of research results and the objective assessment of the costs and benefits of urban coyotes will be important.