Coyotes Choose Cover Over Concrete When Selecting Den Sites

Area of Science:

• Urban ecology
• Wildlife behavior
• Conservation biology

Background:

• Animal decision-making is crucial for survival and reproduction, especially in dynamic urban environments.
• Coyotes (Canis latrans) are increasingly common in cities, yet their urban den site selection remains understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate den structure and site selection patterns of coyotes in Atlanta, Georgia.
• To assess the influence of anthropogenic factors and natural cover on coyote den site selection.

Main Methods:

• GPS collaring of 48 coyotes over three years (2022-2024).
• Identification and physical characterization of 20 coyote dens.
• Resource selection analysis evaluating impervious surface, building proximity, and cover availability.

Main Results:

• Approximately 50% of dens were located in anthropogenic structures, used opportunistically for concealment.
• Coyotes strongly selected for cover habitat and actively avoided impervious surfaces for denning.
• Den site selection was influenced by distance to buildings and cover, with avoidance of high human infrastructure.

Conclusions:

• Coyotes exhibit flexibility in den structure use, utilizing anthropogenic sites when necessary.
• Selection for cover and avoidance of impervious surfaces indicate a preference for less urbanized areas within the city.
• Urbanization and land conversion may impact urban wildlife populations by altering habitat suitability for denning.