Understanding Suburban Coyotes:
their ecology and relationship with humans

Over the last several decades, coyote (Canis latrans) populations have spread eastward, sometimes into populated areas. This continuous range expansion coupled with constant development and human population growth has led to a marked increase in human/coyote interactions.

With an increase in the number of interactions comes an increased potential for human/coyote conflict. This potential has garnered the attention of communities, wildlife professionals, and researchers in the northeast. For example, the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has recorded increasing numbers of complaints about coyotes from residents in suburban areas around the state.

To provide communities and managers with the tools needed to make informed management decisions, the DEC and Cornell University are conducting a multi-year study. We will investigate a variety of issues surrounding suburb dwelling coyote populations and human/coyote interactions. The study will include research into the behavior of suburb dwelling coyotes and well as the attitudes and behaviors of people in areas where coyotes live. You can find a more detailed description of the study methods below.

Department of Natural Resources Cornell University

In cooperation with:

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Bureau of Wildlife

Westchester County Dept. of Parks, Recreation & Conservation

Westchester County Cornell Cooperative Extension

The New York Suburban Coyote Study is a project that integrates coyote ecology and human dimensions research. Our goal is to provide information to communities and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation that will assist with the development of effective management strategies. This website is intended to provide information about the study, coyotes, and human-wildlife interactions. Thank you for visiting and we hope you enjoy the site.