Managing Coyotes

UNH study reveals surprising insights into their thriving population

Once a rare sight in the Northeastern United States, coyotes have become a common presence across New Hampshire. These adaptable predators are now in every county, thriving in forests, farmlands and even suburban areas. However, the reasons for their adaptability have not been extensively studied.

Rem Moll, an assistant professor in the department of natural resources and the environment, and Roland Kays, a research professor in wildlife and conservation at North Carolina State University, co-led a study that revealed surprising insights into the management of these resilient predators. Their research, published in the journal Ecography, focused on how hunting by humans and larger predators has affected coyote populations in various habitats.

Using data from more than 4,500 camera traps across the United States during a three-year period, the team found that hunting by humans, often intended to control coyote numbers, actually seemed to lead to population increases. This likely occurred because younger coyote populations with higher reproduction and immigration rates filled the gaps left by those that had been killed, resulting in unexpected population growth.

The study also shed light on the role of larger predators, such as black bears and pumas. In forested areas, both black bears and pumas reduced coyote numbers. In more urbanized landscapes around cities, the researchers found that pumas alone reduced coyote populations.

“Larger carnivores are essential in maintaining balance within ecosystems, and their recovery may offer a more effective approach to regulating coyote populations than direct human hunting,” said Moll.

This study was supported by the New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station and the National Science Foundation.