The Great Chicago Coyote Census: How Many Fuzzy Faces Are Lurking in the Windy City?
Ah, Chicago. City of broad shoulders, deep-dish pizza, and... coyotes? Yep, those cunning canines have become surprise residents of the urban jungle, living their best life amongst the skyscrapers and hot dog stands. But just how many of these wild woofers are padding the pavement? That, my friends, is the million-dollar question (well, maybe more like a twenty-dollar question considering they're not exactly rare these days).
Enter the Coyote Counter Crew: A Band of Brave Researchers (with good insurance)
Fear not, curious citizen! A fearless few, known as the Urban Coyote Research Project, have bravely ventured into the concrete wilderness to sniff out the truth. Led by the intrepid Stanley Gehrt (think Indiana Jones, but with a clipboard and a knack for spotting scat), this crack team has been counting critters since the early 2000s. Their methods are as thrilling as staking out Bigfoot (minus the blurry photos), involving radio collars, cunning camera traps, and probably a whole lot of hoping the coyotes don't develop a taste for researchers.
So, How Many Coyotes Are We Talking About Here? Buckle Up, Buttercup!
Here's where things get fuzzy (not literally, unless you count a rogue squirrel or two). Estimates range from a cool 2,000 to a whopping 4,000 coyotes roaming the greater Cook County area, which includes Chicago. That's a lot of bushy tails and sneaky stares! Now, some folks (we're looking at you, Stanley Gehrt) say this is a conservative guess, which basically means there could be even more lurking in the shadows.
Do the Math: Coyotes vs. Hot Dog Stands
Let's put this into perspective. Chicago supposedly has around 3,500 hot dog stands. That means there could be more coyotes than hot dog stands! Imagine stumbling upon a wily coyote instead of a juicy Vienna beef – that's a Chicago experience you won't find in any travel brochure.
But Wait, There's More! The Great Coyote Conspiracy
Now, some folks believe there's a coyote conspiracy afoot. They whisper of secret tunnels beneath the city, coyote cabals plotting world domination (probably involving a lot of chewing on mailboxes), and maybe even a coyote mafia running a lucrative racket selling lost socks to pigeons.
While these theories are undeniably entertaining, they're likely the product of too much deep-dish and late-night reruns. Still, it's fun to think about, right?
The Bottom Line: Coyotes Are Here to Stay (and Probably Grab a Pizza Slice or Two)
Whether the number is 2,000 or 4,000, one thing's for sure: coyotes are Chicago's furry little secret (not so secret anymore). So, the next time you're tossing a Frisbee in the park, keep your eyes peeled. You might just spot a coyote joining in the fun – or at least eyeing your Frisbee as a potential chew toy.
