NYC's Secret Coyote Couple: Romeo, Juliet, and the Photographers Obsessed with Them

2025-08-25 00:00:15.243

In New York City's Central Park, a unique story unfolds. Chris St. Lawrence, a naturalist and photographer, spends his evenings tracking Romeo and Juliet, a pair of coyotes who have become local celebrities. Along with fellow photographers David Lei and Jacqueline Emery, they dedicate their time to documenting the coyotes' lives, hoping to educate the public and foster coexistence. Coyotes, once confined to the western half of North America, have expanded their range eastward due to declining predator populations and suburban sprawl. In Central Park, the roughly 20 coyotes navigate the urban environment with surprising adaptability, avoiding humans and their dogs. While past encounters between coyotes and city officials haven't always been positive, with incidents involving tranquilizer darts and even death, the city's approach has shifted towards conservation and coexistence. The photographers' efforts focus on ensuring the coyotes' safety and promoting responsible human interaction. They hope for the establishment of a thriving coyote family in Central Park, but worry about threats such as unleashed dogs and human interference. Their story highlights the surprising adaptability of wildlife and the importance of urban conservation.