The coyote, Canis latrans, has proven to be one of North America’s most adaptable mammals, moving far beyond its traditional range of western deserts and plains. This species is now found in nearly every major metropolitan area across the continent, successfully integrating into human-dominated landscapes. The widespread establishment of these animals highlights a significant shift in wildlife ecology, where a capable predator is now a permanent resident of cities and suburbs. Understanding this requires examining how these canids have modified their behavior and social structures to thrive alongside millions of people.
Defining the Urban Coyote
The term “urban coyote” refers to populations that have developed distinct behavioral and genetic characteristics in response to living within metropolitan environments. These animals display an increased tolerance for human presence and activity compared to their rural counterparts. Urban coyotes are generally bolder and more exploratory, a trait likely selected for due to reduced persecution and consistent food availability in city settings.
Urban coyotes exhibit altered social dynamics, often maintaining territories smaller than those of rural coyotes due to concentrated resources. While coyotes typically live in family groups or packs, urban populations may also include solitary individuals that have dispersed. They utilize urban infrastructure such as parks, golf courses, and drainage culverts as habitat corridors and shelter, moving through developed areas when human activity is at its lowest.
Survival Strategies and Urban Diet
A primary survival strategy for urban coyotes is a marked increase in nocturnal activity, which minimizes direct contact with humans and allows them to navigate the dense urban landscape with less risk. This behavioral adaptation helps them utilize resources without being detected. They remain highly intelligent and resourceful, quickly learning where food sources are reliably found.
The urban environment provides a diverse and opportunistic diet. Their diet still consists of natural prey like rodents, rabbits, and birds, which aids in urban pest control. However, anthropogenic sources constitute a substantial portion of their food intake, including discarded human food, unsecured garbage, and accessible fruits and vegetables. Domestic pets, particularly cats and small, unsupervised dogs, also appear in their diet, underscoring the need for pet owners to take precautions.
Safe Coexistence with Urban Coyotes
Living safely with urban coyotes requires proactive measures from residents to discourage the animals from becoming comfortable near homes. The most effective strategy is the removal of all outdoor food attractants. This includes securing garbage bins with tight-fitting lids and never leaving pet food outside. Eliminating these easy meals helps maintain the coyote’s natural wariness of humans.
When a coyote is encountered, particularly one that seems unafraid of people, “hazing” is a simple, non-lethal technique used to re-instill a healthy fear of humans. Hazing involves being loud, large, and startling to the animal. Techniques include yelling, waving arms, stomping feet, and using noisemakers like air horns or shaking cans filled with coins. It is important to continue hazing until the coyote completely leaves the area, otherwise it may learn to disregard the deterrent.