Movements of Transient Coyotes, Canis latrans, in Urbanized Eastern Massachusetts

Authors

  • Jonathan G. Way Science Department, Barnstable High School, 744 West Main Street, Hyannis Massachusetts 02601

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22621/cfn.v121i4.506

Keywords:

Eastern Coyote, Canis latrans, dispersal, human-dominated landscapes, movements, suburban, transient, urbanized Massachusetts

Abstract

I document the movements of five transient (or nomadic) eastern Coyotes (Canis latrans) in heavily urbanized eastern Massachusetts. Linear movements from capture location to end location varied from 23.0 to 100.5 km and averaged 63.8 ± 52.0 km for two females and 38.7 ± 17.2 km for three males (t = 0.657, df = 1.15, P = 0.618). Transients ranged in age between 1-2 yr old. There was no relationship between Coyote body weight and dispersal distances (r = 0.389, P = 0.518). Coyotes travel long distances even in human-dominated areas, allowing transients to find vacant territories. Because of the ability of Coyotes to colonize and recolonize areas, I recommend that Coyote management efforts focus more on educating the public about actual Coyote behavior and their life history needs than on killing them.

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Issue

Vol. 121 No. 4 (2007)

Section

Articles

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