Urban Coyote Welfare and Coexistence Programs

Coyotes have expanded into virtually every major US city, creating management challenges where lethal removal is largely ineffective and coexistence programs offer better outcomes for both species.

Key Facts

Coyotes now inhabit every major US city and suburban area
Lethal removal of urban coyotes is ineffective because neighboring populations expand to fill the niche
Coexistence programs focused on aversive conditioning and human behavior change reduce conflicts
Most coyote attacks on people involve coyotes that have been intentionally or unintentionally fed
Coyotes play important ecological roles in urban ecosystems including rodent and Canada goose control

Welfare Considerations

Urban coyote welfare is shaped by how communities respond to their presence. Lethal culling programs cause significant suffering and fail to solve conflict because populations recover within months. Coexistence programs that modify human behavior — never feeding coyotes, securing trash, protecting small pets — address root causes. Hazing techniques that restore fear of humans are welfare-positive compared to lethal removal. Urban coyotes that maintain natural fear of humans coexist well; those habituated through intentional feeding face both management responses and increased human conflict.

What You Can Do

Never feed coyotes — it causes habituation that endangers both coyotes and humans
Secure trash, compost, and pet food that attracts coyotes to your property
Supervise small pets outdoors in coyote territories
Support coexistence education programs rather than lethal coyote removal in your community