{
  "id": 19432011,
  "title": "Coyotes are likely a permanent fixture on the Outer Banks of North Carolina",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/11/coyotes-are-likely-a-permanent-fixture-on-the-outer-banks-of-north",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-11-11T02:20:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Phys.org",
    "slug": "phys-org",
    "url": "https://phys.org/news/2026-11-coyotes-permanent-fixture-outer-banks.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A new study has revealed that coyote populations persist on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, despite extensive removal programs targeting them. Researchers from North Carolina State University collected DNA samples from coyote feces across seven islands in the barrier chain, estimating between 45 and 60 coyotes inhabit the region continuously. Despite removal efforts, coyotes continue to move in and replace those that disappear. Lead author Daniel Sossover, a research associate at NC State University, stated that coyotes have become part of the ecosystem and coexistence will be necessary. Coyotes likely arrived on the islands over the past two decades via bridges and sea crossings from the mainland. Genetic analysis found four distinct groups, suggesting recent colonization by a small number of founder animals. Habitat isolation appears to influence coyote density, with Bodie Island having the highest and North Core Banks the lowest. The study suggests coyotes may be effectively managing reproduction despite removal pressure, often responding by breeding earlier, having larger litters and inhabiting removal areas again. Researchers recommend focusing on behavioral deterrents and other strategies to manage coyote impacts on vulnerable nesting species, rather than relying on lethal removal.",
  "summary": "A new study reveals that coyote populations on the Outer Banks persist despite ongoing removal programs, posing a continued threat to shore-nesting birds and protected sea turtles. The study is the first in-depth assessment of coyote populations on barrier islands and has ramifications for understanding how coyotes may impact these and other barrier island ecosystems.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}