Starting this past Spring, The Mianus River Groge Preserve in Bedford, New York(Westchester County suburb of NYC) has partnered with The American Museum of Natural History, Wth Wildlife Conservation Society, WildMetro and Baruch College to study Coyote habits and movements in 20 parks from Queens north to Westchester County's (NY) Pound Ridge Reservation

Ground-Breaking Coyote Study Underway

  By Patricia Barry

MRGP and other researchers will be surveying 20 parks in Westchester County and New York City. The HCI (Human Coyote Interactions) Model estimates the probability of observing an eastern coyote based on reported observations.

Over the last 200 years, coyotes have made their way east from their traditional home in the American west. And as we all know, coyotes have firmly established themselves in most of Westchester County. Where they have not yet settled is Long Island, NY. To do so, they first have to colonize New York City.

This year, Gorge scientists will be spearheading an effort to map coyote habitat in the NY metropolitan area. Scientists will be using camera traps to survey over 20 parks along an urban-rural gradient from Queens north to Pound Ridge. The Gorge will be joined by researchers from Baruch College, the American Museum of Natural History, the Wildlife Conservation Society, and WildMetro on this massive effort. Three MRGP Wildlife Techs will call this project their own over the next three years.

This project poses a unique opportunity for wildlife conservation biology. Rarely, if ever, do scientists get the opportunity to learn how a large mammal expands its range. Coyotes provide us the opportunity to do so while also looking at how a predator can adapt to urbanization. Aside from the scientific merit, learning more about suburban/urban coyote habitat use is important to preventing conflict with people.

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 Dedicated to preserving, protecting and promoting appreciation of the natural heritage of the Mianus River Gorge and the quality of its watershed.

Mianus River Gorge Preserve, 167 Mianus River Road, Bedford, New York 10506 914-234-3455         info@mianus.org