This is my first blog post since the first introduction, and I’ve had a few updates. Initially, I was matched with the South River Watershed Alliance and had planned to create an educational video to share with the public. Unfortunately, those plans fell through, and I had to explore other options for a new partnership. I decided to work with the Atlanta Coyote project.  

This organization, led by two biologists who are also professors at local universities, aims to study the presence of coyotes within the Atlanta metro area. They mainly focus on understanding how coyotes adapt to urban and suburban environments, their impact on local ecosystems, and strategies for peaceful coexistence between humans and coyotes. This work involves a collaboration among scientists, volunteers, and the public who collect data through camera traps, GPS tracking, and public sighting reports. 

My interest in the Atlanta Coyote Project was sparked earlier this semester after I attended a presentation by their organization at Trees Atlanta. Going in, I knew nothing about coyotes, let alone that they were living around us, and some have even been spotted in Piedmont Park! Dr. Mowry talked about their work and shared valuable information about coexisting with coyotes. He also shared an interesting story about a melanistic coyote named Carmine, who became known for his unusual friendliness towards neighborhood dogs. Reports of a black ‘dog-like’ animal playing with pets in people’s yards circulated, bringing attention to the possible interactions between urban wildlife and the community. With assistance from the public, Carmine was eventually captured by the Atlanta Coyote Project and rescuers and transferred to a wildlife sanctuary. Some pet owners were uneasy about his friendly demeanor, and given his presence in busy areas, relocating him was considered necessary for his safety.

Carmine’s story emphasizes the challenges of managing wildlife in urban areas. As part of my involvement with the Atlanta Coyote Project, I’ve been reviewing the tracking reports submitted by the public, focusing on the comments regarding each sighting or encounter. So far, I’ve learned a lot about the perception the public has towards these animals, both positive and negative. My plan is to use the data from these reports to create a project that explores the nuanced interactions between humans and coyotes in the city. Ultimately, I hope to dispel some of the misinformation that may cause people to perceive coyotes negatively.

Here’s a short clip about Carmine: