Forests & Wildlife
Viewed from above Vashon-Maury Islands are a green gem in the heart of the rapidly urbanizing Seattle-Tacoma-Kitsap metropolitan area. Through wildlife camera studies, DNA testing and other projects we seek to understand the importance of island forest habitat for both resident and migratory species.
Coyote Howling Survey
Annual night-time howling surveys help us track coyote populations and distribution on the islands. We conduct these surveys in mid-summer when pups are just learning to howl. Young coyotes will respond to almost any noise by firing up their singing muscles, giving us a predictable response rate and allowing us to track the coyote family groups that are reproducing each year.
Publications and Press:
Nature Center conducts howling survey
Population Dynamics and Behavior of Coyotes on Vashon and Maury Islands
Average number of coyote howling responses per islandwide survey
Related Projects
