REACTIONS OF THE PUBLIC TO URBAN COYOTES (CANIS LATRANS)

摘要

We conducted a survey in March 2007 of two neighborhoods in Tucson, Pima County, Arizona, where coyotes (Canis latrans) were present. The survey was conducted originally in 1992 in the same neighborhoods. We compared responses between years. Coyotes appeared habituated to humans to the point of approaching dogs on leashes; most humans did not attempt to harass nearby coyotes. Responses revealed an increase in frequency of sightings of coyotes between years. Attitudes about coyotes (e.g., nuisance, threatened) affected how humans reacted toward this predator.