The Suburban Song: Embracing the Essential Coyote
"The only good coyote is a dead coyote" — this sentiment, born of fear and misunderstanding, continues to echo through many communities. Yet the truth about these remarkable canines reveals a far more nuanced story, one where coyotes play a vital role in our ecosystems, even as they adapt to our suburban landscapes.
When I moved into my home, nestled on what was once a sprawling 2,000-acre ranch, the presence of coyote packs was undeniable. Initially, fueled by fear, I sought their removal. The HOA's knowing laughter and my own curiosity led me down a different path—one of education and understanding.
My first encounter with a coyote was transformative. On an evening walk, a slender figure emerged, resembling a lean German Shepherd. Suddenly, the fear dissipated, replaced by a sense of familiarity. I grew up with German Shepherds, and something about the coyote's demeanor struck a chord—a reminder that these wild canines share an ancestral connection with our domestic companions.
The Ecological Value of Coyotes
Research has consistently demonstrated that coyotes are:
Apex Predators: They play a crucial role in regulating rodent populations, with studies showing a single coyote can consume between 1,800 and 2,500 rodents annually, keeping our neighborhoods free of unwanted pests that can spread disease and damage property.
Adaptable Survivors: Having expanded their range by 40% since the 1950s, coyotes now inhabit every U.S. state except Hawaii, thriving in diverse environments from wilderness to urban settings, demonstrating remarkable resilience in the face of human expansion.
Family-Oriented: They form strong family bonds in packs of 5-6 individuals and communicate through a complex system of at least 11 different vocalizations, including their iconic yips and howls that can be heard up to three miles away.
Ecological Balancers: Research from the Urban Coyote Research Project shows that in areas where coyotes are present, biodiversity increases as they help control mesopredators (like raccoons and foxes) that would otherwise decimate bird populations and small mammals.
The nearly 900 acres to the south of my home was an ecological diverse prairie bordering the Langham creek. This sanctuary for native and migratory birds, deer, bob=cats and other small animals as well as coyotes was decimated during the construction of detention ponds and the rerouting of the creek. This new park ensured our homes would not flood, also destroyed animal habitats. The construction company ignored the county’s required to preserve trees and nesting grounds by destroying and burning all of the trees. Trees that took decades to grow!
This destruction and the rapid development of the surrounding ranch displaced the coyote packs that once roamed freely. The nightly chorus of their yips, a sound I had come to cherish, faded away—a silent testament to our impact on wildlife.
The Consequences of Absence
According to wildlife biologists, the absence of coyotes creates measurable ecological imbalances:
Increased Rodent Populations: A 2018 study published in the Journal of Urban Ecology found that urban areas without coyotes experienced up to 200% higher rodent densities, leading to increased property damage and disease transmission risks.
Disrupted Ecosystems: The Mesopredator Release Hypothesis, supported by extensive research, demonstrates that removing apex predators like coyotes leads to population explosions of medium-sized predators, ultimately reducing overall species diversity by 50-70% in affected areas.
Lost Connection to Nature: As documented by the Urban Wildlife Institute, communities that learn to coexist with wildlife report higher levels of environmental awareness and engagement, suggesting that our relationship with creatures like coyotes enhances our connection to the natural world.
Choosing Coexistence
Rather than perpetuating fear, let's choose to:
Educate Ourselves: Learn about coyote behavior through resources like Project Coyote (projectcoyote.org) and the Urban Coyote Research Project (urbancoyoteresearch.com).
Promote Coexistence: Implement humane strategies for managing coyote encounters, such as securing trash and pet food, and practicing "hazing" techniques when necessary to maintain healthy boundaries. According to the Humane Society, these methods have reduced negative interactions by up to 95% in communities that adopt them.
Advocate for Habitat Preservation: Support efforts to protect natural spaces and maintain biodiversity. The Trust for Public Land's research shows that preserving just 10% of natural area within developed regions can maintain 75% of ecological function.
Challenge Misconceptions: Data from the CDC shows that coyote attacks on humans are extraordinarily rare—fewer than 10 documented attacks occur annually nationwide, making them statistically insignificant compared to domestic dog incidents (approximately 4.5 million bites per year).
Appreciate their song: The complex vocalizations of coyotes—studied extensively by Dr. Brian Mitchell at the Canid Howl Project—reveal sophisticated communication that helps maintain territorial boundaries without physical confrontation, demonstrating their intelligence and social complexity.
Imagine a suburban landscape where the presence of coyotes is seen as a sign of a healthy ecosystem, not a threat. A place where their yips echo through the night, a reminder of the wildness that still exists within our communities.
As the renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold once wrote, "To keep every cog and wheel is the first precaution of intelligent tinkering." Coyotes are not merely another species—they are essential components of functioning ecosystems, even those that intersect with our suburban lives.
Let us embrace the essential coyote, not as a menace, but as a vital part of our shared environment.
Resources for Coexisting with Coyotes:
Project Coyote: projectcoyote.org
Urban Coyote Research Project: urbancoyoteresearch.com
Humane Society's What to do about coyotes: humaneworld.org/en/resources/what-do-about-coyotes
Your local wildlife rehabilitation center or nature center for regional-specific information
