Reactions of the Public to Urban Coyotes (Canis Latrans) (Notes) (Report‪)‬

Coyotes (Canis latrans) provide an example of a predator that has adapted and thrives in urban environments (i.e., a town with 50,000 people; Atkinson and Shackleton, 1991; Quinn, 1995; Grinder and Krausman, 2001; Gehrt, 2005). This predator is common throughout Tucson, Pima County, Arizona (Grinder and Krausman, 2001), and some residents have concerns about the species while others enjoy seeing coyotes in their neighborhoods (Grinder and Krausman, 1998). Coyotes pose concerns relating to safety of humans and pets, transmission of disease, and damage to property (Baker and Timm, 1998). However, coyotes also provide ecological benefits in urban areas by controlling populations of rodents and feral cats (Gehrt, 2006). Density of song birds in scrub habitat was greater in fragmented areas in coastal southern California where coyotes were present due to control of mesopredators by coyotes (i.e., gray foxes Urocyon cinereoargenteus, striped skunks Mephitis mephitis, raccoons Procyon lotor, and feral cats; Crooks and Soule, 1999). Problems can arise when coyotes become habituated and lose their fear of humans, often resulting in increased boldness (Timm et al., 2004). Bears also have become habituated to humans in some areas (Gilbert, 1989; Peine, 2001), particularly where unnatural sources of food are present. Directly or indirectly feeding coyotes and the apathetic state of the public are significant sources of conflict with coyotes in urban areas (Baker and Timm, 1998). In Tucson, efforts were made to reduce potential conflicts between humans and coyotes through education (E. Ostergaard, pers. comm.). Pamphlets were distributed and public meetings were held reminding residents to feed and water pets indoors, and to keep cats and small dogs inside. Citizens were encouraged to harass coyotes that approach or do not exhibit fear toward humans (e.g., yell, wave arms, throw small objects). More severe forms of harassment (e.g., rubber bullets, buckshot, and pyrotechnics) have been employed for larger carnivores (e.g., bears) entering urban areas (Peine, 2001). The Arizona Game and Fish Department maintains a statewide database on human-wildlife conflicts to help identify problem areas.