How Well Can Wild Animals Adapt to Living in Cities?

Life in the big city has been good for coyotes. Stan Gehrt, a wildlife ecologist at Ohio State University who has tracked urban coyotes in Chicago since 2000, says that coyotes have colonized nearly every major metropolitan area in the United States and Canada, and they are thriving there. For example, the average size of a city litter is nine pups -- much larger than in rural areas due to the more abundant urban food sources. Coyotes seem to feel right at home in the city, and their behavior reflects this familiarity with urban life. In fact, Gehrt says, he has video evidence that urban coyotes have learned to look both ways for cars before crossing busy streets such as Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago.

Livin' large in the big city:

• Gehrt’s team has tagged more than 850 coyotes and put radio collars on about 400. The researchers, who estimate that there are as many as 2,000 coyotes living in the greater Chicago area, have been able to document the animals’ reproductive rate and collect blood and hair samples for genetics studies.
• GPS technology and micro cameras have enabled the researchers to track how coyotes have carved out territories in Chicago. They estimate that about 50 percent of the typical urban coyote diet comes from sources left behind by humans.
• The average life span of a rural coyote is just 2.5 years. City-dwelling coyotes can live for 12 or 13 years, and their pups are about four times more likely to make it to adulthood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which wild animals are most commonly found adapting to city life?

Urban environments are often home to adaptable species like pigeons, rats, raccoons, and squirrels. Birds of prey, such as falcons and hawks, also thrive by hunting these smaller urban dwellers. According to studies, these animals exploit the abundant food sources and nesting opportunities that cities inadvertently provide.

How do wild animals adapt their diets in urban settings?

Many urban-dwelling wild animals shift their diets to include human food waste, which is plentiful in cities. For instance, urban foxes often scavenge from bins, while birds like gulls and crows have been observed using traffic to crack open nuts or scavenging food from unattended plates at outdoor eateries.

What impact does urbanization have on animal behavior?

Urbanization significantly alters animal behavior. Animals in cities tend to be bolder, less fearful of humans, and more opportunistic. Research indicates that urban animals often have altered activity patterns, such as becoming nocturnal to avoid human activity, and they may develop innovative strategies to exploit new food sources and navigate the urban landscape.

Are there any benefits for animals living in urban areas?

Yes, there are benefits for some species. Urban areas can provide a refuge from natural predators and a consistent food supply from human waste. For example, urban birds often have higher survival rates and may breed more successfully due to the warmth of the city and the availability of nesting sites like building ledges.

How does city life affect the health and lifespan of wild animals?

City life can have mixed effects on wild animals. While some may benefit from abundant food and shelter, others suffer from poor diet quality, increased exposure to pollutants, and the stress of constant human presence. These factors can lead to health issues and potentially shorter lifespans for certain urban wildlife populations.

What conservation efforts are in place to support wildlife in urban areas?

Conservation efforts in urban areas include creating green spaces, wildlife corridors, and living roofs to provide habitats for animals. Initiatives like bird-friendly building designs to prevent collisions and community education programs aim to mitigate the negative impacts of urbanization on wildlife. These efforts help maintain biodiversity within the cityscape.