A groundbreaking study by UC Berkeley and UC Agriculture and Natural Resources has uncovered surprising patterns in urban coyote behavior across Los Angeles County, revealing that these adaptable predators tend to avoid wealthy neighborhoods despite their abundant resources.
The research, published in "Ecology Letters," tracked 20 coyotes using satellite collars to analyze their movement patterns in relation to socioeconomic and environmental factors. Contrary to expectations, coyotes showed a clear preference for less affluent areas within their home ranges, even though wealthy neighborhoods typically offer more green spaces and potential prey.
Researchers suggest this behavior may be linked to negative attitudes toward coyotes in higher-income areas, where residents are more likely to support lethal control measures and engage in hazing practices. The study's lead author, Christine Wilkinson, noted that wealthy areas often employ more aggressive removal tactics, including professional trappers.
The study also revealed that coyotes in areas with higher pollution and population density maintained larger home ranges, suggesting they need to travel further to meet their needs. These animals were more likely to visit city parks, possibly seeking food sources in trash and urban wildlife.
Notably, the research showed coyotes had less interest in locations traditionally considered wildlife havens, such as cemeteries and golf courses. This finding challenges conventional wisdom about urban wildlife patterns.
The size of coyote territories varied dramatically among the studied animals, ranging from less than one square kilometer to 114 square kilometers for a female whose range crossed between Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties.
Study co-author Niamh Quinn emphasized that while wealthy areas may report more coyote activity, these predators exist throughout L.A. County. She noted that lower reporting rates in some areas might reflect different community priorities rather than coyote absence.
This research represents a shift in wildlife studies by incorporating social and economic factors alongside ecological considerations, offering new insights for urban planning and wildlife management strategies in metropolitan areas.