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.

2025-08-24 18:00:24.969

In New York City's Central Park, a unique wildlife story unfolds. Chris St. Lawrence, a naturalist and photographer, along with David Lei and Jacqueline Emery, dedicate their time to documenting Romeo and Juliet, a pair of coyotes who have become local celebrities. These photographers work tirelessly to educate the public about these animals, emphasizing that there's no reason to fear them. Coyotes, once confined to the western half of North America, have expanded their range eastward due to factors such as the decline of predators and suburban sprawl. New York City is now home to an estimated 20 coyotes, with Romeo and Juliet having migrated from Westchester County. The photographers use thermal monoculars to locate the coyotes at night, observing their fascinating adaptations to urban life. Their efforts aim to promote coexistence between humans and wildlife, highlighting the importance of keeping pets leashed and not feeding the coyotes. Despite some past negative interactions between humans and coyotes in the park, recent city initiatives focus on promoting conservation and coexistence. The photographers' hope for Romeo and Juliet is a happy ending, with the dream of a thriving coyote family in Central Park, but this requires responsible human behavior.