Abstract:
The recent influx of the northeastern coyote population in metropolitan areas presents interesting questions for researchers and city residents alike: where is urban wildlife present and how do these animals spread through areas with such high levels of human activity? We sought answers to these questions as we studied images captured from camera traps placed in New York City parks and greenspaces. We identified areas where white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), northeastern coyote (Canis latrans), raccoon (Procyon lotor), opossum (Didelphis virginiana), and striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) can be found in the boroughs of the Bronx and Manhattan and when these species were most active during the day. We revealed differences in their spatial distribution and found that raccoons are the most ‘urban’ species, occurring closest to downtown NYC and in high density developed areas. Deer are the least urban and prefer to avoid areas with medium or high density development. Activity patterns generally did not coincide with that of humans when measured on camera traps. Deer were most active at dawn and dusk. Coyotes, skunks, opossums, and raccoons were most active at night. Our findings have implications for the management and prevention of human-wildlife conflict in NYC. We hope that continued research and education will lead to humans coexisting and appreciating the wildlife in urban areas.
· Date: December 27, 2016 · Views: 3281 · File size:16.0kb, 36.3kb · : 406 x 222 ·