Wildlife

Urban Coyote Conflict and Coexistence

As coyotes expand into urban and suburban environments, conflicts with humans and pets are increasing, requiring community-based coexistence strategies.

Key Facts

Coyotes now inhabit every major North American city including New York and Los Angeles
Lethal control methods have repeatedly failed to reduce coyote populations long-term
Hazing techniques — using noise and assertive behavior — effectively deters habituation
Coyote attacks on humans are extremely rare and almost always linked to intentional feeding

Welfare Considerations

Lethal control programs cause suffering to individual coyotes while failing to reduce populations, as territory vacancies are rapidly filled by new animals. Hazing and habitat management preserve wildlife without cruelty, while protecting both people and coyotes from escalating conflict.

What You Can Do

Never feed coyotes intentionally or inadvertently through unsecured garbage
Haze coyotes that approach without fear using noise and assertive posture
Keep small pets supervised or indoors at dawn and dusk
Support community wildlife coexistence programs in your area
Advocate against ineffective lethal control policies in your municipality