Effects of suburban development on the home range and activity of the coyote (Canis latrans) in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Authors(s): S. Anderson and N. McClennen

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Publication Date: 0000-00-00

Type: Annual, Completed Project

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Abstract: Despite substantial research on coyotes, few studies have compared coyote ecology in protected areas such as national parks with adjacent areas of suburban and agricultural development. Research in this area could potentially aid in the understanding and management of wildlife found at the interface between developed and undeveloped areas. Twenty-seven coyotes were captured and radio-collared in Jackson Hole, Wyoming during the spring and fall of 1998. Eleven coyotes resided in the suburban/agricultural areas in the south end of the valley and 17 coyotes were located in Grand Teton National Park. Home ranges were calculated from 1,966 relocations collected from July 1998 through August 1999. Resident coyote home ranges were significantly smaller in the developed areas as compared to the national park during pair formation/gestation and pup rearing seasons. Predictive models indicated that core home range size decreased as suburban development increased and transient coyotes tolerated or were relegated to more developed areas during all biological seasons. Activity of coyotes in the suburban/agricultural areas was significantly lower during the diurnal hours as compared to the coyotes in undeveloped areas. As development continues in Jackson, open space will be reduced, forcing coyotes and other adaptable species closer to human activity. This data suggested that coyotes in suburban/agricultural lands of Jackson Hole adapted to increased human presence by reducing core area size, relegating transient coyotes to higher density developments, and reducing diurnal activity.

Keywords: Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Wyoming, animal, mammal, canine, Canidae, coyote, Canis latrans, Jackson Hole, Teton County, suburban area, habitat, migration, mortality, population, radio collar, management, Bridger-Teton National Forest, radio collar, Grand Teton National Park, human activity