Wily coyote? urban canines take more risks compared with rural ones – study
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A recent study published in Scientific Reports (December 2025) reveals that urban coyotes across the US exhibit bolder behavior and less fear of new stimuli compared to their rural counterparts. Researchers from Pepperdine University and other institutions compared coyote reactions to novel objects at 623 camera trap stations across 16 paired urban and rural sites. The study found that urban coyotes spent more time near bait placed within unfamiliar structures, indicating a higher risk tolerance. This behavioral difference is likely due to reduced hunting and fewer direct threats from humans in urban environments, allowing coyotes to adapt and thrive. The research highlights the adaptability of coyotes and provides insights into how urbanization impacts wildlife behavior.
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AI-ExtractedA 2016 study found coyotes present in 96 out of 105 cities surveyed.
The western urban coyotes spent about 4 seconds more near the bait area than their rural counterparts.
The study was the first to look at the issue of urban and rural coyotes over such a wide area – 623 stations at 16 pairs of sites around the country.
Urban coyotes nationwide take more risks compared to those coyotes in rural areas.
Coyote populations are surging in cities across the US.
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