Citation:
Whitley, Cameron T et al. “Urban Human-Coyote Conflicts: Assessing Friendliness as an Indicator of Coexistence.” Animals : an open access journal from MDPI vol. 13,18 2903. 13 Sep. 2023, doi:10.3390/ani13182903
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The article examines the rising interactions between humans and coyotes in urban areas across North and Central America, and the ongoing debate on how to address these encounters. While many residents fear coyotes and call for their removal, scientists advocate for coexistence, highlighting the animals' essential ecological role and the ineffectiveness of eradication efforts. Ecologists emphasize that changing human behavior is crucial for peaceful coexistence with coyotes. Public support for coexistence plans largely depends on perceptions shaped by emotions, personal experiences, and media portrayals. By analyzing news coverage from 2000 to 2022 in Los Angeles, Seattle, and Boston, researchers discovered significant differences in how these cities' media frame coyote-related issues, with Los Angeles leaning towards eradication and Seattle and Boston favoring coexistence.
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The study reveals the pivotal role of media in influencing public opinion and policy on human-coyote interactions. In cities like Los Angeles, where coyote conflicts have a long history and are politically charged, media coverage tends to be more hostile and supportive of eradication. In contrast, Seattle and Boston, where coyotes are a more recent issue, show media coverage that is more supportive of coexistence. These differences suggest that a city's historical, cultural, and political background significantly shapes media narratives. To build public support for coexistence strategies, local governments need to consider media influence in their management plans and educate media outlets about scientific perspectives and the ecological impacts of lethal coyote management.
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This article provides valuable insights into the importance of media in shaping public attitudes toward coyotes and the necessity of promoting coexistence strategies. It underscores how media coverage can either align with or oppose scientific recommendations for urban wildlife management. By advocating for media education and public awareness, the study supports the development of comprehensive management plans that encourage coexistence and address the underlying causes of human-coyote conflicts.