Eastern Coyote: The Story of Its Success

Patrick Colgan is the executive director of the Canadian Museum of
Nature in Ottawa.

Although prominent among the North American carnivores, coyotes are
definitely not the most charismatic fauna, being evil incarnate to
ranchers and hunters. Eastern Coyotes provides a balanced synopsis of
what is known scientifically about this species across the continent and
over recorded history. In successive chapters, the Maritimes-based
author (a research biologist with the Canadian Wildlife Service) deals
with all aspects of taxonomy, colonization, feeding, reproduction,
population dynamics, home range, predation, disease, and management.

Particularly interesting are Parker’s accounts of the huge exodus of
coyotes out of their traditional prairie range over recent decades
(presumably the result of anthropogenic changes such as the decline of
the wolf); hybridization with other canines and the ensuing
identification problems; and their impact on white-tailed deer. With
respect to coyote–livestock issues, the book discusses various methods
of preventive management (e.g., use of guard dogs) but does not address
the removal of coyotes, the option preferred by any stockowners.

Anyone with an interest in the fauna of North America, its changes, or
the relations of humans with their natural world will appreciate this
impressively researched wildlife monograph—it is not a book for the
coffee table.