Wildlife

Welfare of Coyotes in Urban and Suburban Environments

Coyotes have colonized urban environments across North America, creating conflict and welfare concerns from both lethal control and habituation.

Key Facts

Welfare Considerations

Urban coyotes face welfare challenges from conflict with humans and lethal management responses. Trap-and-kill programs separate mated pairs and family groups. Poison baits cause prolonged suffering from internal hemorrhaging. Vehicle collisions cause traumatic injuries. Snaring causes extreme suffering. Importantly, lethal control does not work — vacancy filling by new individuals means suffering is inflicted without population reduction. Hazing and education are both more effective and more welfare-positive.

What You Can Do