A plan that backfired: How hunting led to a significant increase in the coyote population across the United States.

A recent study conducted using an extensive network of over 4,500 wildlife surveillance cameras has revealed astonishing patterns in the coyote population across the United States, challenging long-held assumptions about the effectiveness of predator control. Contrary to traditional beliefs regarding the rational use of wildlife, which endorse hunting as a control method, the research findings indicate that hunting may inadvertently increase the local coyote populations, according to ScienceBlog.

The study, published in the journal Ecography, relies on data from the Snapshot USA project, one of the largest wildlife camera networks to date, allowing researchers to observe coyote behavior across various landscapes. "Intensive coyote eradication can certainly reduce the population in the short term, but it may also lead to the emergence of younger coyote populations with higher reproduction and immigration rates," explained Remington Moll, an assistant professor at the University of New Hampshire and the study's author, noting that the data shows a greater number of coyotes in areas where hunting was permitted.

By comparing camera recordings with satellite images and advanced modeling, the team developed the first comprehensive map of coyote populations in the U.S. This map revealed differences in population dynamics based on habitat and the presence of large predators. The results indicate that large predators, such as bears and cougars, have a greater impact on coyote population control than human intervention. Roland Case, a research professor at North Carolina State University, emphasized this natural balance, explaining, "Our work suggests that promoting the recovery of large carnivores, especially in certain habitats, is more likely to lead to a reduction in coyote populations than direct human hunting."

The study found that black bears are particularly effective in forested areas, while cougars limit coyote populations in open spaces. Additionally, the research examined coyote adaptation to urban environments. It was discovered that although coyote populations are lower in densely populated urban centers, they can remain stable in suburban areas. These regions combine natural resources with human-altered environments, making them ideal for opportunistic coyotes.

Moreover, regional data indicate that the highest coyote populations are found in the southwestern U.S., while the northeast has comparatively fewer, suggesting the species is expanding into new territories. Wildlife dynamics studies often highlight that efforts to remove animals can inadvertently contribute to population growth. For instance, similar reproductive compensation has been observed in some deer and boar populations, where increased birth rates followed human control efforts.