Urban Coyotes

June 1, 2024
Wily coyotes may be living next door. Husband-and-wife team Carson and Uhlman follow the work of the Urban Coyote Research Project, started by urban ecologist Stan Gehrt in the late 1990s, when residents of Cook County, Illinois, began reporting coyote sightings. These scientists are attempting to answer a variety of questions: Are these animals a threat to people? Could their presence lead to a healthier ecosystem? Carson examines the history of coyotes in North America, their move into former wolf territory north and east of their original range in the western prairies and deserts, and how these animals have been able to adapt to a variety of environments. She goes more deeply into tracking techniques and discusses coyote family life as the scientists find a den with a litter of pups--new coyotes to be microchipped and followed. Well-chosen and mostly well-captioned photographs make it easy for readers to get a sense of these scientists' activities and to admire the animals--especially the tiny pups. Carson adeptly weaves a great deal of information into her descriptions. Her readable account includes specifics of the scientists' activities--caging, tranquilizing, and collaring coyotes--as well as important background. Most interestingly, she emphasizes the animals' innate abilities to adjust their mating and breeding rates according to the carrying capacity of their environment. Most scientists present white in the photos. Will leave readers with a newfound appreciation for these fascinatingly adaptive creatures. (glossary, further information, sources and selected bibliography, index) (Nonfiction. 10-14)

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June 1, 2024
Grades 5-8 In this large-format volume, readers follow urban wildlife researchers as they locate, tag, trace, and study some of the many coyotes living in Chicago and its suburbs since the 1990s. Stan Gehrt, an urban wildlife ecologist, was hired to do a "quick" study, as few coyotes were thought to be living in the region. That assumption was quickly proved wrong. Twenty-five years later, the Urban Coyote Research Project continues to study coyotes within the Chicago area. Carson, whose previous books for the Scientists in the Field series include Park Scientists (2014) and The Bat Scientists (2010), explains the researchers' methods as they attempt to trace the movements of adult coyotes and remove pups from their dens to record their measurements, check their health, and implant microchips beneath the skin before placing them back in their dens. Illustrated with many clear color photos of coyotes and researchers, this attractive volume presents information about the challenges that arise when wild animals move into urban environments--an unusual but timely topic.

COPYRIGHT(2024) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

November 1, 2024
No matter where one lives in the continental U.S. -- rural areas, suburbs, major cities -- coyotes share that space. In Chicago alone, thousands of coyotes live and thrive, according to the Urban Coyote Research Project, whose work is presented in this informative book. Carson's engaging text highlights the project's goals, which include determining where coyotes live, what they eat, and how they can best coexist with humans. Project members tag and track coyotes and gather data ranging from DNA samples to the condition of their nails (which indicates travel on concrete surfaces) -- tasks that require patience, skill, and some luck. Uhlman's compelling photographs show researchers at work as well as glimpses of coyotes in their natural habitats. Maps and charts group data into easy-to-decipher graphics. Conclusions, such as the role coyotes play in regulating the rodent and geese populations, are all based on the collected data. The book provides information on non-lethal animal-hazing practices and ways to coexist with these unusual neighbors. Appended with a glossary, a list of sources, and areas for further inquiry. Betty Carter

(Copyright 2024 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

October 18, 2024

Gr 3-8-A nonfiction account of the scientists studying how coyotes move, eat, and reproduce in urban environments. The book opens as a scientist tracks a previously collared coyote to a tree hollow to check on her. The following chapter follows the drama of caging, sedating, and processing a wild coyote, with striking photographs to accompany the description. Chapter five is particularly engaging, following researchers on their grueling search for a litter of coyote pups that they eventually find in a tree hollow; photos include scenes in which they are assessed and microchipped. Lots of interesting context is given about the history of coyotes in the urban United States and their life cycles and traits. The author sometimes uses a cheeky, editorial writing style that might go over the heads of the target audience (e.g., "Ah, the 1990s. The Soviet Union broke up, grunge music went big, and the internet appeared. Coyotes, too, had a big end-of-the-century decade"). The wildlife researchers photographed include men and women; all read as white. Back matter includes a glossary, sources, and a thorough index. VERDICT An informative and engaging photo-illustrated book on research into the lives of urban coyotes that would support ecological research.-Mallory Weber

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2024
No matter where one lives in the continental U.S. -- rural areas, suburbs, major cities -- coyotes share that space. In Chicago alone, thousands of coyotes live and thrive, according to the Urban Coyote Research Project, whose work is presented in this informative book. Carson's engaging text highlights the project's goals, which include determining where coyotes live, what they eat, and how they can best coexist with humans. Project members tag and track coyotes and gather data ranging from DNA samples to the condition of their nails (which indicates travel on concrete surfaces) -- tasks that require patience, skill, and some luck. Uhlman's compelling photographs show researchers at work as well as glimpses of coyotes in their natural habitats. Maps and charts group data into easy-to-decipher graphics. Conclusions, such as the role coyotes play in regulating the rodent and geese populations, are all based on the collected data. The book provides information on non-lethal animal-hazing practices and ways to coexist with these unusual neighbors. Appended with a glossary, a list of sources, and areas for further inquiry.

(Copyright 2024 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)