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NBCS Summary Report to Municipalities: Newport, Middletown, Portsmouth, and Jamestown

Published on October 23, 2017 under Coyote Bytes

Pear and apple trees generate a hotspot of nightly coyote activity on Caroll Ave, Newport (center red) and traffic through the urban neighborhood. NBCS GPS Data rendered on Trackers, Highpoint Studios © N. Mitchell.

The NBCS report summarizes findings from NBCS research on Aquidneck and Conanicut Islands since 2005. It focuses on human food subsidies provided to coyotes revealed by our GPS tracking program. The report contains specific recommendations for coyote management for each municipality.

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Narragansett Bay Coyote Study

2 years ago

Woah! Sleuth "Clouseau" the coyote discovered remains of at least 750 lbs of deer in Newport.Intrepid "Clouseau" a GPS-collared coyote has led NBCS to a winter coyote-feeding bonanza on Newport Neck! Project scientists were becoming suspicious of a spot Clouseau had traveled to and from 14 times between December 27 and March 15 when NBCS received a tip that explained the cause: the carcasses of six untagged deer laid out in a line at a coastal residence near Fort Adams. On a site visit we were shown remains and a large handmade cage-trap, not set, next to the area. There was recent evidence of multiple coyotes visiting, marking the site, with their scat, as a hot property. Scat is coyote for “mine.” The deer smorgasbord had clearly been a great source of food for multiple coyotes all winter, rings of deer hair and bones told the story. Why were dead deer put there? Someone was trying to attract coyotes. For years hunters and trappers have collected fees or bounties for coyote kills in some sections of Newport. Large persistent food subsidies, like Clouseau’s six deer, ensure coyotes keep coming back and makes them easier to shoot or trap. Is this a problem? It is legal in Rhode Island to hunt or trap coyotes year ‘round if DEM regulations are followed. At the same time, under a Newport ordinance, it is illegal to put out “food attractants” for coyotes and the Newport ordinance takes precedent. The Newport city council wisely adopted a “no-feeding” ordinance in 2013 (Ord. No. 2013-003, § 1, 6-12-2013). Good idea because lack of food is the primary reason coyote populations are self-limiting; reliable food resources will trigger population growth in coyotes. As evidenced by the scat and Clouseau’s continual visits, the trapper in this case did not get rid of the coyotes. Counterproductively, by increasing food availability to bonanza levels during what is normally a rough time of year, the trapper raised the population carrying capacity of Newport Neck, and did so during their breeding season, December through April, when well-fed females have larger litters of pups. In addition, feeding in residential areas habituates coyotes to humans and increases coyote traffic there. Last, the deer placed on the coastline brought in members of the “Newport Neck Pack” such as Clouseau, but also would have attracted numbers of transient coyotes that wander the shores looking for food and an opening in a territory. Feeding like this, if it happened every year, would explain the recurring coyote problems on Newport Neck. The good news is it can be stopped by enforcement of the ordinance. We are really excited that Clouseau, with help from residents, led us to what looks to be a major part of the coyote problem! ... See MoreSee Less

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Narragansett Bay Coyote Study

2 years ago

Ok. How much does "Nubs" weigh?38 lbs. About the size of a small border collie.Pirjo Indie Ansel and Julie English got nearest on the high end at 39 lbs. And Dan Bogan (not surprisingly, a coyote researcher from NY) guessed 37 lbs - the only low estimate. Close enough!It is interesting that only three estimates were below 40lbs and the average estimate was 63 lbs (ranging from 37-110 lbs). Kerry Courtemanche-Brissette and Christie Smith were spot on to take the fur into account and lowered their estimates but still guessed high. In our experience, they always seem way bigger than they really are. "Furry." as Christie said. ... See MoreSee Less

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Narragansett Bay Coyote Study

2 years ago

A new capture in East Providence! "Nubs" was collared in the Kent Heights neighborhood and this guy is no spring chicken. His teeth have been worn to - you guessed it - nubs. The NBCS team is excited to track him and learn more about the East Providence coyote population. We often hear from the public about huge coyotes roaming their neighborhoods. Take a look at this guy and guess his weight. Even we were surprised!Thanks to Mayor Bob DaSilva, Councilman Nate Cahoon, Matt Estrella, and Animal Control Officer Will Muggle for logistical help on this capture.EDIT: In case you missed the newest update, the correct answer is 38 lbs.www.facebook.com/coyotestudy/posts/1365086727247904 ... See MoreSee Less

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Narragansett Bay Coyote Study

2 years ago

New year, new coyote... "Clouseau," is our latest GPS-collared coyote in Newport "Clouseau" is a 41 lb mature male with a tawny-orange face, white mustache, and now a black GPS collar. We caught him near the Cliff Walk last week and we know almost nothing about him yet.NBCS has been receiving, and following, resident reports of coyotes in Newport. Coyotes are frequently seen in residential areas and seem unnaturally comfortable around people. Through GPS tracking and assistance from the community NBCS may be able to help identify what is causing the coyote traffic. NBCS science focuses on managing coyote numbers and behavior by managing anthropogenic (human-generated) food subsidies. Perhaps our inspector "Clouseau" can shed some light on the situation. If you see him please let us know. Photos appreciated. More to follow. ... See MoreSee Less

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Narragansett Bay Coyote Study

3 years ago

Yesterday felt like Christmas in July for the NBCS team! We collared a very healthy and feisty female coyote at Breene Hollow Farm in West Greenwich. She looked small to us - because she has shed so much of her winter coat - but weighs in at 31 lbs, a big female! We're calling her "Summer" and are looking forward to seeing what we can learn as we track her throughout her range. Special thanks to farmer, former senator, and West Greenwich town administrator, Kevin Breene, for letting us work at his farm.Rhode Island Natural History SurveyNarragansett Bay Coyote StudyBreene Hollow Farm ... See MoreSee Less

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NBCS Summary Report to Municipalities: Newport, Middletown, Portsmouth, and Jamestown

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