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Research
Project Background
Humans and wildlife share more of their daily lives than you might think. We're all neighbors in the "social-ecological system," or the SES. The SES is a world made up of human society, wildlife populations, and natural habitats. Yet, people and animals can only coexist when we make a conscious effort.
A graphic showing the parts of the social-ecological system. This is a big-picture view of what makes up the human and non-human systems, and how they're connected. Read more about this figure and the SES in the red wolf's historical range here.
To support coexistence, WCC-IECL has launched the Cultivating Canid Coexistence Program, or the C3 Program. ("Canids" are animals in the dog family known as Canidae). Our current study sites are in southeastern New York and coastal Louisiana. Fairfield County, CT and Gwinnett County, GA are up next.
Our goal: to develop community-centered management guidance that betters lives of the humans and non-humans that call these landscapes home.
Why Are Coyotes Important to Wolf Conservation?
Understanding coyote ecology in the eastern US is essential to red wolf recovery. This is because this region is the red wolf's historical habitat.
The red wolf once lived in all states east of the Mississippi River. Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana were also part of its range. Now, less than 20 live only in North Carolina. The USFWS, supported by organization such as the WCC, is looking for more wolf-friendly places they can call home.
Understanding eastern coyote ecology is essential to this work. Why? Coyotes prefer similar habitat to red wolves. Plus, the feelings people have toward coyotes may be similar toward both species.
With all this in mind, the C3 Program is integral to advocacy for human-canid coexistence. It is also founded on WCC's mission to advance the survival of wolves by inspiring a global community through education, advocacy, research, and recovery.
This project will continue through Spring 2028. During this time, we will expand further throughout eastern United States, with a primary focus on canids.