Article 7: "Urban coyotes are literally full of garbage — and that's risky for humans, study suggests"

Citation:

Chung, Emily. “Urban Coyotes Are Literally Full of Garbage - and That’s Risky for Humans, Study Suggests | CBC News.” CBCnews, CBC/Radio Canada, 10 Mar. 2021, www.cbc.ca/news/science/coyote-diet-1.5942641.

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The article examines the impact of urban environments on coyote health and behavior, focusing on findings from researcher Scott Sugden at the University of Alberta. Sugden's study involved analyzing the stomach contents and chemical markers in the claws of nearly 100 urban and rural coyotes, revealing that urban coyotes consume significantly more human food and less natural prey. This diet shift results in poorer health outcomes, including higher parasite loads, larger spleens, and lower nutritional health. These health issues contribute to increased aggression and greater risks to humans and pets, highlighting the need for effective waste management and public education to reduce these conflicts.

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Sugden's research underscores the dangers of urban coyotes' reliance on human food sources, linking this diet to the spread of parasites like E. multilocularis, which poses significant health risks to humans and dogs. The findings indicate that urban coyotes, driven by poor health, are more likely to seek out easily accessible human food, creating a cycle of dependency and health decline. Dr. Emily Jenkins, a veterinary microbiologist, supports this view, noting an increase in parasite cases in Western Canada and Southern Ontario. Her insights add to the understanding of the broader public health implications associated with urban coyote populations.

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This article is valuable for explaining the factors that influence coyote stress in urban areas, particularly how a diet high in human food affects their health and behavior. Sugden's research provides a credible foundation for advocating better urban wildlife management practices, such as secure garbage disposal and public education. Implementing these strategies can help mitigate the health risks posed by urban coyotes and improve coexistence between humans and wildlife.