The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and Utah State University are interested in learning how red foxes and coyotes coexist with humans. We are conducting a study in Wichita, the largest city in Kansas, to learn more about urban coyotes and red fox populations. We will use GPS collars, trail cameras, and citizen science to gather our data. We ask that anyone who encounters a coyote or red fox in Wichita to please report your sighting. This will help us map how coyotes and foxes use various parts of the city.

Report a Coyote or Fox Sighting

 

About the Project

More than half of the world’s population lives in cities (defined as having more than 50,000 people), including over 70% of Americans. Urban development can fragment wildlife habitat, and humans are causing the decline of countless species. However, some wildlife can survive and even thrive in cities. Coyotes and red foxes are two such canids that are able to take advantage of the perks of the city including an abundance of food (e.g. rodents, trash, etc.) and a lack of larger predators (like wolves, mountain lions, and bears). However, we know very little about how these canids are successful at living among humans in the Great Plains. This lack of data impedes management. Knowledge of coyote and red fox movements, population demographics, feeding behavior, interactions with other species, social dynamics, and other behaviors is needed for more effective management of canids in urban areas in the region.

About the Team

The Wichita Urban Coyote and Fox Project is made possible by these people:
  • Julie Young, PhD, Associate Professor, Utah State University
  • Jon Beckmann,  PhD, Wildlife Supervisor, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
  • Yixin Fang, PhD student, Utah State University
  • Majesty Bordner, MS student, Utah State University

If you would like to get in touch with us, please email us at kansasurbancanids@gmail.com.

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