A predator in the park: mixed methods analysis of user preference for coyotes in urban parks

ABSTRACT

This mixed methods study explores the relative preference people in the United States have for sharing leisure space in their local urban parks with coyotes. Two rounds of survey data (n= 482) and a series of interviews (n= 28) were conducted. In both survey samples, people preferred to share park space with coyotes less than all other species options (e.g., people experiencing homelessness, off-leashdogs). Interview data suggest that the primary reason for this lack of desire to share park space with coyotes is a perception that coyotes are dangerous for people and pets. This strong level of preference against coyotes has implications for current efforts to promote human-wildlife coexistence strategies in many urban and peri-urban locations.

KEYWORDS:

• Coyotes
• parks
• leisure space
• fear
• marginalized park users

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jeff Rose

Dr. Jeff Rose is an assistant professor-lecturer in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism at the University of Utah. His research examines systemic inequities expressed through class, race, political economy, and relationships to nature. He uses this justice-focused lens on homelessness in parks, socioecological systems, outdoor education, and place attachment in protected areas.