Citation:
Robertson, Katie E., et al. “Stress in the City? Coyote Hair Cortisol Varies with Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors within a Heavily Urbanized Landscape.” Science of The Total Environment, vol. 901, Nov. 2023, p. 165965, doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165965.
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This research investigates how urbanization affects stress levels in coyotes (Canis latrans) within the Greater Chicago Metropolitan area. By examining hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) from 97 coyotes, the study assesses chronic stress across varying degrees of urbanization. The results show a positive correlation between higher urbanization and increased stress levels in coyotes, with factors such as body condition, social status, seasonality, and age playing significant roles. The study underscores the importance of understanding both internal and external factors influencing urban wildlife to anticipate future behavioral and physiological adaptations as urban environments continue to grow.
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A major contributor to this research article is Stanley D. Gehrt, a renowned coyote researcher whom I follow on Twitter. He is a professor of wildlife ecology at Ohio State University, making him extremely knowledgeable in the field of coyote wildlife and research. I want to use this article in my research to explain a method of measuring coyotes' stress—cortisol levels. In my research, I intend to utilize this article to illustrate a specific method for measuring stress in coyotes—namely, analyzing cortisol levels. Hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) serve as a reliable biomarker for chronic stress in wildlife. This method has been employed in numerous studies due to its effectiveness in providing insights into the physiological state of animals over time. By focusing on cortisol levels, researchers can gain a better understanding of how environmental factors, such as urbanization, impact the well-being of coyotes. This approach not only aids in assessing current stress levels but also helps predict how coyotes might respond to ongoing changes in their habitats.