Student-led RDP project helps city better understand urban coyotes

RDP added that urban coyotes tend to be braver and more willing to explore.

“I found two locations that had a higher number of observations,” explained Heistad. “That suggested to me that coyote dens may be in that area, as they use their dens during gestation and pup-rearing seasons.”

Through the data, Heistad was able to locate dens in person where she recorded entrance dimensions and slope, the number of openings, surrounding vegetation and soil conditions.

She then formed a full Geographic Information Systems (GIS) map of den locations and analyzed their proximity to buildings, roads, pathways and water.

Her findings reveal patterns in how coyotes choose den sites, including how they tend to avoid buildings and busy roads and select areas close to water.

Heistad also noticed differences in the direction dens open in Red Deer compared to those in Edmonton. While Edmonton dens often face east, Red Deer dens in her sample tended to face northwest or northeast.

“The prevailing winds were coming from the southwest,” she said. “It appears that the coyotes didn’t prefer to have their dens face that way to prevent the wind from blowing in.”

Heistad also discovered that there was activity at the dens as early as January 9, despite past research indicating that dens are used between March and August.

RDP said the map of den locations will be shared with the City of Red Deer, which currently has limited data on where dens are located.

“I really think that cohabitation with this intelligent species in the city is possible,” she explained.

The project is set to continue into fall, when Heistad plans to search for additional dens, conduct vegetation surveys, collect soil samples and check whether dens were reused this season.

“There’s definitely opportunities for future RDP students to get involved and grow the project,” she says.

“All of the instructors I’ve had at RDP are great. I’ve had a lot of opportunities to conduct research projects that I might not have had at larger institutions.”

After graduating in June 2026, Heistad hopes to continue working in wildlife biology.

by rdnewsNOW staff

Student-led RDP project helps city better understand urban coyotes

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