Cristina Rodden

Wildlife Biologist

Conservation Branch

WSMR DPW Environmental Division Coyote and Bobcat Carnivore Research Study

WSMR DPW Environmental Division Coyote and Bobcat Carnivore Research Study

Human interactions with coyotes and bobcats are common within the WSMR main cantonment.  In some cases, individual carnivores have lost their fear of humans due to intentional feeding (e.g., providing direct handouts or placing food or water out) and unintentional feeding (e.g., leaving uneaten pet food outside or food trash available via open trash cans and dumpsters).  When habituation occurs, these carnivores occasionally become bold or aggressive toward humans and their pets.  To address this issue, the WSMR Garrison Environmental Division has initiated a biological research study in coordination with the NMSU Extension Animal Sciences and Natural Resources Division, to determine the ecology of coyotes and bobcats living within WSMR cantonment and surrounding areas.  The project will emphasize how to resolve specific human-carnivore conflicts by educating the public on how to properly coexist with carnivores and to research hazing techniques on existing habituated animals.   

To date, the Environmental Division has captured nine coyotes and one bobcat.  All carnivores have been fitted with a GPS/radio transmitter to determine their established territories and movements.  Additional captures are planned for late January through February 2022.  The Environmental Division requests that you ensure your pets are secure in your backyards at all times and leashed when taking walks within the cantonment, to include the Desert Emerald Park in accordance with WSMR Regulation 215-1.

The Environmental Division is requesting your assistance with this project by reporting any encounters with either marked or unmarked coyotes and bobcats.  A simple email with date, time, location, contact information, and short description of encounter would be appreciated.  If a negative encounter with a carnivore is reported, a return call will be warranted. Please send information to Wildlife Biologist, Cristina Rodden at: cristina.l.rodden.civ@army.mil.  

Please DO NOT call WSMR Police (678-1234) to report sightings or close encounters with any wildlife.  Emergency services should only be used if wildlife is posing an immediate human safety or life-threatening situation.   If you want to speak with a biologist about encounters or report suspicious activity with wildlife, please just call the Environmental Division at 678-2225.

Refer to the following brochures for educational information on how to co-exist with coyotes on WSMR.