Evaluate the evidence for the role of group behavior on individual and species' chances to survive and reproduce.
What might happen if one coyote or all the coyotes in a territory are “removed" or die? Consider the impact on humans, other coyotes in the area, prey species, etc… If coyotes are eliminated from a territory, do you think the removal would be permanent? What methods can the Illinois Department of Natural Resources use to "eliminate" a coyote?
Using the Visualization Tool, study the travel patterns of the adult coyotes during different weeks or seasons. Research the life history of coyotes to learn when coyotes mate and have pups.
Can you infer or determine:
How have coyotes been viewed through history? How have attitudes towards them changed, or stayed the same?
What characteristics and behaviors of coyotes that you observe on the Visualization Tool, or discover in other research, might influence these attitudes?
How have coyotes adapted to co-exist despite human presence and human pressures?
Interview family members or friends to obtain their opinions about coyotes. What influenced their opinions? Have they ever seen or heard a coyote?