In alleyways and parks from Berkeley to the Bronx, coyotes are becoming an increasingly common sight. But these savvy urban dwellers aren’t just surviving—they may actually be evolving to thrive in city environments.
A new study published in Genome Biology and Evolution reveals that urban coyotes are showing signs of rapid evolutionary change. Researchers say this offers a striking example of how city life can influence wildlife on much shorter timescales than previously thought.
The Changing Landscape of Evolution
While coyotes have long been admired for their ability to live alongside humans, this study adds a new layer to that story: adaptation at the genetic level. It’s not just that these animals are learning to cope with city life—they may be evolving to fit it.
Elizabeth Carlen, a postdoctoral fellow with the Living Earth Collaborative at Washington University in St. Louis and the study’s senior author, noted that coyotes are adapting remarkably well to urban spaces. Because they share a similar genetic makeup with domestic dogs, scientists can more easily identify which genes may help them succeed in human-dominated environments.
A New Frontier for Evolution
For decades, scientists believed evolution was a slow, gradual process unfolding over thousands—or even millions—of years. But today’s urban environments are challenging that assumption. Cities are dynamic, high-pressure ecosystems that present both threats and opportunities for wildlife.
“In these places, we’re seeing more coyotes because they’re occupying the niche space that would have once belonged to wolves,” said Carlen. “If a wolf shows up in the Bronx, it’s going to be killed. But coyotes can fit in.”
Coyotes—known for their intelligence and adaptability—seem particularly equipped to thrive in these spaces. A study from the University of New Hampshire calls coyotes the most successful carnivores in North America. Interestingly, the study also suggests that human hunting pressure, rather than hindering populations, may be contributing to their spread, as coyotes adapt and respond to threats in increasingly resilient ways.
City-Savvy Carnivores
In their research, Carlen and her team analyzed genetic data from coyotes living in both urban and rural environments. They found evidence that city coyotes may be developing traits to help them better tolerate stress, navigate traffic-heavy landscapes, and even interact with people.
Some of the genetic differences appear to be linked to cognitive function and behavior—possibly explaining why urban coyotes often seem bolder or more curious than their rural counterparts. Others may help them adapt to novel food sources, such as human trash or small pets.
According to Live Science, coyotes aren’t picky eaters or particular about where they sleep. They’re more likely to be active at night, when human activity is lower. While they may lose their fear of people if they associate humans with a food source, however it is recommended to not feed coyotes, coyote attacks on humans remain extremely rare.
Looking Ahead
The findings raise important questions about how urbanization will continue to shape wildlife—and how humans should respond. As coyotes become more common in cities, communities will need to adapt, too.
Researchers hope the study encourages more dialogue about coexisting with urban wildlife. After all, understanding how animals evolve in response to human environments could help shape future conservation strategies.
