Dr. Curtis explained how a five year study is tracking the coyote populations in New York State. A Westchester County sampling showed increased coyote reports over a two year period, and are particularly noticed in more suburban areas.

Although there is increasing concern over attacks on pets and children, in actuality, current research shows few such incidents.

The five year study began in four towns in southwestern New York. Phase one included trapping and installing VHF and GPS collars on the coyotes. They monitored animal movement, home ranges, breeding, fecal samples and diet. They interviewed community members and officials and suveryed awareness, beliefs, attitudes and behaviors toward coyotes.

Phase two involved indentification of problem coyotes and aversive conditioning trials. They began considering management including human intervention and evaluation. They also began tracking media for reports on coyote incidents or coverage.

The second half of the study is expected to occur in western New York.

The evening's events included both a silent and live auction of a variety of items including coyote fur coats, coyote earmuffs, videos and stuffed animals. A special auction was held to raise money for a second summer 4-H assistant position.

Dr. Paul Curtis has coordinated the Wildlife Damage Management Program for Cornell Cooperative Extension during the past 15 years. His research interests include wildlife damage management in urban and agricultural landscapes, wildlife fertility control, and resolving community-based wildlife issues. Extension programming has included public policy education and a variety of wildlife-related publications and videotapes. Dr. Curtis is serving as a co-principal investigator for the portion of the study concerning coyote behavioral ecology.

To provide communities and managers with the tools needed to make informed management decisions, the DEC and Cornell University are conducting a multi-year study. They will investigate a variety of issues surrounding suburb dwelling coyote populations and human/coyote interactions. The study will include research into the behavior of suburb dwelling coyotes and well as the attitudes and behaviors of people in areas where coyotes live.