Becoming Wolf: Eastern Coyotes in New Hampshire

Myths surround the coyote and cloud our understanding of it. Originating as the smaller western coyote, our eastern coyote shares genes with the eastern wolf, the grey wolf and the western coyote. Its hybrid nature enables its resilience and adaptability to live in farms, forest, or city. It has rewilded the northeast with its howl and ability to prey on large and small mammals but despite its ecological benefits, it is the most persecuted carnivore in North America. And despite human efforts to eradicate it, it survives and thrives among us. Chris Schadler, M.S., Conservation Biology, will discuss coexistence strategies, whether you farm, hike or garden. “Understanding the mind and ecology of the coyote can keep us one step ahead of problems”, according to Chris, who, with 40 years of wolf and coyote research, sheep farming, and teaching, will demonstrate that “knowledge is power” when it comes to living with

coyotes.

Chris’ interest in wild canids began in the 1970s as a volunteer at the Wolf Park in Battleground, Indiana. This opportunity and others inspired an eventual Masters in Conservation Biology at Antioch

University in Keene. Her thesis focused on the Natural Recovery of the Eastern Timber Wolf in Michigan. Chris lived in Michigan and Minnesota during the early 1980s where her research into the gray wolf continued and her speaking career began. Beginning in the early 1990s, Chris taught Forestry, Wolf Ecology and Environmental Conservation in the Natural Resources Department at UNH, receiving many teaching excellence awards. She also instructed and mentored adult degree candidates in the UNH System at Granite State College. While wolf recovery was the focus of her early work, Chris’ attention shifted to the Eastern Coyote when she and her flock of sheep moved to New England. She is now the NH and VT Representative for Project Coyote, a national organization promoting coexistence with coyotes. Chris co-founded the NH Wildlife Coalition, is a founding member of the North East Wolf Recovery Alliance and also Chairs the Webster Conservation Commission.