News Life

Large predators push coyotes and bobcats near people and to their demise

People kill more mid-sized predators when large carnivores are around

A photo of a bobcat standing in front of a snowy background.

Bobcats were one of four predator species tracked with radio collars in a study to see how carnivores shape each other’s behavior in rural areas.

Zachary Wardle

By Freda Kreier

When wild animals take refuge from predators by straying near people, the illusion of safety can be deadly.

In the wilderness, mid-sized predators like coyotes have learned to fear larger carnivores like wolves and cougars, which will violently attack and kill those smaller carnivores.