URBAN COYOTES

Wily coyotes may be living next door.

Husband-and-wife team Carson and Uhlman follow the work of the Urban Coyote Research Project, started by urban ecologist Stan Gehrt in the late 1990s, when residents of Cook County, Illinois, began reporting coyote sightings. These scientists are attempting to answer a variety of questions: Are these animals a threat to people? Could their presence lead to a healthier ecosystem? Carson examines the history of coyotes in North America, their move into former wolf territory north and east of their original range in the western prairies and deserts, and how these animals have been able to adapt to a variety of environments. She goes more deeply into tracking techniques and discusses coyote family life as the scientists find a den with a litter of pups—new coyotes to be microchipped and followed. Well-chosen and mostly well-captioned photographs make it easy for readers to get a sense of these scientists’ activities and to admire the animals—especially the tiny pups. Carson adeptly weaves a great deal of information into her descriptions. Her readable account includes specifics of the scientists’ activities—caging, tranquilizing, and collaring coyotes—as well as important background. Most interestingly, she emphasizes the animals’ innate abilities to adjust their mating and breeding rates according to the carrying capacity of their environment. Most scientists present white in the photos.

Will leave readers with a newfound appreciation for these fascinatingly adaptive creatures.