My current research is focused on coyotes (Canis latrans) in Ohio, generally aimed at describing the role of coyotes as predators in the Midwest.

Population dynamics and impacts of harvest

We used carcass data and location data from GPS collared coyotes to estimate population demographics, vital rates, space use, and movement parameters. We then built an agent-based model of coyote behavior using these results, and simulated the impacts on the population of changing harvest regimes.

Diet and relative consumption of livestock

We used stable isotope analysis of coyote and their perspective prey, including livestock, to estimate dietary contributions of different diet items. We also compared the differences in diet between demographic groups, and whether the average livestock density of the county the coyote was captured in impacted the relative contribution of livestock to diets.

Individual variation in diet

Though coyotes are known as generalist feeders at a population level, we wanted to assess whether this was the trend at an individual level. Using stable isotope analysis along the length of individual whiskers, we compared dietary variation among individuals both within and between demographic groups to describe how “typical” any one coyote might be.

Dietary overlap with gray foxes

We similarly sampled gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) whiskers and used stable isotope analysis to compare dietary overlap, temporal consistency, and trends in individual variation between coyotes and gray foxes. Coyotes are considered one of the potential causes of decline for gray foxes in the Midwest, so understanding their competitive overlap in important.

Other Projects

Movement behavior in urban coyotes

Using a long-term dataset from our sister project in Chicago, IL, we are using data from GPS-collared coyotes in a step-selection framework to learn more about how individuals are navigating in an urban matrix.

Weasel survival & causes of mortality

Working with staff from the Cook County Nature Preserves in Illinois, we are using data from VHF-collared long-tailed weasels (Neogale frenata) to estimate survival rates and major causes of mortality for this elusive and understudied species.