Coyotes in the EcoPreserve

Why do we need coyotes?

The RU EcoPreserve is habitat to a large
deer population. An overabundance of
deer causes many ecological problems,
from lack of forest growth to an
increase in invasive species. Coyotes
are one of only a few natural predators
of deer, so maintaining a healthy coyote
population will help to control deer
populations with decreased direct
human intervention.
Methods
To estimate the coyote population, we set up
camera traps around the EcoPreserve and
performed a night call-and-response test. We
captured one coyote on camera and heard
responses from three coyotes in addition to
finding track marks. While there is a coyote
population in the preserve, it is not enough
to control the deer population and so deer
culling and other, more direct methods of
control must continue to be implemented.
Principles of Natural Resource Management

Fall 2015

Students: Nadine Ali, Tyshia Rennick, Julia Snyder, Michael Torres

Instructor: R. Lathrop