Impact of Human Activity Levels on Coyote Temporal Behaviors on Presque Isle State Park

Baham, Magdaline

Impact of Human Activity Levels on Coyote Temporal Behaviors on Presque Isle State Park

Persistent URL

https://dspace.allegheny.edu/handle/10456/56710

Author(s)

Baham, Magdaline

Date Issued

April 3, 2023

Abstract

Humans and wildlife must adapt to coexist in increasingly overlapping environments. Coyotes (Canis latrans) are one species that share various types of spaces with humans, such as natural recreation areas, and are already known to spatially distance themselves from humans. However, fewer studies have been conducted to determine if coyotes change what time of the day they are most active to avoid negative human interactions. This study examined Presque Isle State Park in Pennsylvania, an area used by both humans and coyotes, to assess if coyotes change when they are active based on different levels of human activity. Between 30 October 2022 and 3 February 2023, two Cuddeback trail cameras were placed at three locations with high, medium, and low human activity. Photos were analyzed for when coyotes were active and what behaviors they were exhibiting. A total of 229 photos were cataloged with 37 individual detections of coyotes. Of the coyote detections, 35 of them were at night. The results support that the coyotes of Presque Isle State Park were nocturnal, especially in areas with high human activity. These results can be used to inform future management plans for coyotes on Presque Isle and educate the public on the wildlife they may interact with while visiting.

Major

Environmental Science

Honors

Environmental Science and Sustainability, 2023

First Reader(s)

Pearce, Kelly