New Research from the University of Utah Says Hunting Produces More Coyotes Not Less

Research reported by the University of Utah gives some explanation why coyote populations keep growing while other animals suffer from loss of habitat and other changes to their environment. 

Thriving Under Pressure: Coyote Family Dynamics

In Utah and other western states, it is legal to hunt coyotes, especially in areas with large mule deer populations. What the research showed was that the areas where the most hunting was happening had more coyotes, not less. 

It turns out that coyote family dynamics are built to thrive under hunting pressure. They are highly territorial and when a leader of a pack is taken out, multiple younger groups can take over the same area. 

Adapting to Change: A New Generation of Coyotes

Also, the female pack leader keeps younger females from having offspring. These younger females go through a mock pregnancy without actually having a litter. This seems to make them care for the lead female’s pups. 

When the dominate female dies through hunting, these younger females leave the pack and find mates. They soon produce their own litter, and these are often a larger number than the original pack. 

Read More: Has a Grizzly Made Its Way Into Utah?

It is like the hydra myth where every head removed produces two more. It is no wonder coyote numbers increase under hunting pressure. Utah and other states may want to look closer at how they work to control the coyote populations.