Photo by Jack Kelly By Jack Kelly Of all of Aquidneck Island’s
wildlife species, the most misunderstood is the coyote. These
intelligent creatures can adapt to any urban, rural, or suburban
environment, presenting a complex problem for local residents,
county law enforcement departments, state wildlife managers, and
government officials. In 2005, the Narragansett Bay Coyote Study
was initiated to address the rising number of coyotes in the
county and an increase in their displays of bold behavior. Under
the direction of lead scientist Numi Mitchell, a team of
biologists, volunteers, educators, students, and scientists
gathered biological and behavioral information on coyotes.
Through the use of Global Positioning System tracking collars,
researchers obtained data on pack territories, pack sizes, and
how humans were directly or indirectly providing food to
coyotes. By feeding coyotes, humans contribute to the increase
in their numbers. Simply put, the more food the female coyotes
eat, the more fertile they bec