Carnivores

Coyote Urban Adaptation and Coexistence

Coyotes have successfully colonized cities across North America, requiring humans to develop coexistence strategies that protect both people and coyote welfare.

Key Facts

Coyotes now inhabit every major US city including Chicago New York and Los Angeles
Urban coyotes eat primarily small mammals insects and fruit not pets
Lethal coyote control is ineffective as neighboring coyotes rapidly fill vacated territories
Coyote family groups maintain stable territories reducing conflict when left undisturbed

Welfare Considerations

Attempts to eliminate coyotes from urban areas cause unnecessary suffering and are ineffective. Trapping and shooting create acute suffering and disrupt family groups, prompting immigration of new individuals. Coexistence approaches that modify human behavior — securing garbage, protecting small pets, hazing — are more effective and avoid welfare harms to coyotes.

What You Can Do

Secure garbage bins and remove outdoor pet food to discourage coyote habituation
Use hazing techniques if coyotes approach to maintain their natural wariness
Keep small pets supervised or indoors at dawn and dusk
Oppose lethal coyote control programs in your community