Biologists Begin Coyote Tracking Study in the Marin Headlands

Temporary radio tracking collars, like the one pictured above, will help park scientists learn more about population size and travel habits for coyotes in the Marin Headlands.

Presidio Trust

September 2020 - Beginning this fall, Golden Gate National Recreation Area wildlife biologists will use temporary remote tracking collars to learn about the population size and movements of coyotes in the Marin Headlands. The park continues to see issues with people feeding coyotes across Marin, particularly in the Marin Headlands. When fed, wild animals like coyotes quickly learn to associate people with food, and can exhibit aggressive behavior. Food-conditioned coyotes also spend more time along roads, increasing their chances of being hit by cars.

Coyotes are native to the Bay Area and throughout North America. As top-level carnivores, they play an important role in regulating the number of small rodents and of mesocarnivores like skunks and raccoons. They help to maintain balanced, biodiverse ecosystems. The park needs more specific information on Marin coyotes to protect both visitor and coyote safety. Park biologists will be collaborating with partners at the Presidio Trust and UC-Davis to take a more regional look at urban coyotes, and will be investigating coyote diet, genetics, and disease exposure. Information from this study will be used to improve coyote education and outreach, with a focus on addressing the coyote feeding and habituation issues.

You may see coyotes with GPS collars and ear tags. If so, you can help park biologists with their study! Try to get photos of collared coyotes and either post them to iNaturalist or send them in an email along with location information to park wildlife ecologist Bill Merkle. If you observe a roadkill coyote carcass, the team is interested in trying to get samples. Contact Bill with a description and exact location. The study will improve coyote coexistence outreach messaging in the park and may provide direct feedback on the success of park management actions.

To prevent the need to euthanize a coyote, we ask the public not to feed or approach animals in the park. If you observe people feeding coyotes or witness a coyote encounter, please call non-emergency park dispatch at 415-561-5505.

For more information

• Full project brief: Coyote Tracking in the Marin Headlands
• Wildlife viewing at Golden Gate National Recreation Area webpage
• Contact Golden Gate Wildlife Ecologist Bill Merkle

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