Coyote (Canis latrans) Behavioural Adaptations Amid Seasonal Weather Changes

As urbanization overtakes natural habitats, understanding its effects on wildlife behaviour is crucial for the welfare of both human and non-human animals. Adaptation to urban landscapes can mean survival or extinction for some species. A key transformation from urbanization is the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, where surfaces like pavement and rooftops raise city temperatures above those of surrounding areas. Coyotes (Canis latrans), known for their resilience, may serve as ecological indicators of broader impacts on less adaptable species. In particular, pup play – an ‘energetically costly’ behaviour tied to development and survival – may be sensitive to rising temperatures. I hypothesized that UHI-related temperature increases impacted play behaviour. Using non-invasive camera traps, I observed three post-natal homesites along an urban-to-rural gradient in Calgary, Alberta. I developed activity budgets (active: travelling, eating; play: chasing, stalking) and linked daily behaviour percentages to land surface temperatures (NASA MODIS data). I tested for behavioural differences between sites and examined whether urban pups played more at cooler periods, like nighttime, compared to peri-urban and rural pups, when the day temperature was high. Urban coyotes spent significantly less time in active (non-play) behaviours than those at Peri-Urban and Rural sites, while urban pup play occurred at significantly higher proportions. Temperature readings varied by source and site. At the Peri-Urban and Rural sites, camera temperatures differed significantly from weather station data likely due to vegetation or canopy cover. Urban site readings were more uniform. Satellite land surface temperatures differed significantly from ground-based measures across all sites raising concerns for ecological studies relying solely on remote sensing. Temperature did not significantly predict proportion of time spent in play behaviours, though a slight negative trend appeared at the Urban site. Play increased over time at the Peri-Urban site, possibly reflecting seasonal or developmental patterns. Nighttime play was not significantly influenced by temperature or site. These findings inform mitigation efforts, a deeper understanding of how resilient species like coyotes can adapt to changing environments, and the findings may serve as the 'canary in coalmine' for other species effects.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MSc)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Geography

Grantor

Arts

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Hastings, Holly

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Alexander, Shelley

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Yackel, John
• Johnson, Steig

• Coyote
• Animal Behaviour

Statement dc:rights

• Unless otherwise indicated, this material is protected by copyright and has been made available with authorization from the copyright owner. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.

Language dc:language.iso

en

DOI

https://dx.doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/50098

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ucalgary.scholaris.ca:1880/122505