About the Project

More than half of the world’s population lives in cities (defined as having more than 50,000 people), including over 70% of Americans. Urban development can fragment wildlife habitat, and humans are causing the decline of countless species. However, some wildlife can survive and even thrive in cities. Coyotes and red foxes are two such canids that are able to take advantage of the perks of the city including an abundance of food (e.g. rodents, trash, etc.) and a lack of larger predators (like wolves, mountain lions, and bears). However, we know very little about how these canids are successful at living among humans in the Great Plains. This lack of data impedes management. Knowledge of coyote and red fox movements, population demographics, feeding behavior, interactions with other species, social dynamics, and other behaviors is needed for more effective management of canids in urban areas in the region.