Wildlife require food, cover and water to survive. When these three habitat elements are abundant, then the dependent species will flourish. Population levels will increase until they are limited by; a lack of habitat, predators, parasites and/ or disease.

In nature usually a local population will grow to a peak and then limiting factors will combine and cause it to collapse. Somewhere in between the peak and collapsed levels there is a point, where the available habitat will support a specific number of individuals in perpetuity. That population density is called the "carrying capacity" and is associated to a given area.

Carrying capacities can be increased, when there is an absence of limiting factors and the available habitat is enhanced. Sometimes the increased population levels cause conflicts with other land uses i.e.. Canada geese in urban areas, white-tailed deer in ecologically sensitive areas and the eastern coyote in areas of livestock production.

The eastern coyote is not subject to predation, and infestations of parasites and disease are minimal. Hunting and trapping can be effective in limiting population growth, however in many areas these activities are restricted by landowners.

The major factor that limits coyote populations is the availability of suitable habitat. Since coyotes are so adaptable, they are able to exist in wide range of territories and in some cases thrive in urban settings.

When coyotes exceed the carrying capacity in an area and have depleted their natural food supply, they have to find something else to eat. In agricultural areas, coyotes adapt and learn that livestock is food. They then teach their young to kill lambs and calves to survive. With their new found food supply, coyotes are able to increase the carrying capacity of their habitat.

Over the past few decades, in south and central Ontario, a lot of marginal agricultural land and watercourse banks have been planted with trees and shrubs. While this practice has been beneficial for the environment, it has also increased cover and travel corridors for coyotes. The ability to travel while being concealed provides coyotes with protection and also allows them to be more effective hunters.

Obviously coyotes in parts of Ontario, have surpassed the natural carrying capacity of their habitat. This artificially high population level is having a serious effect on the livestock industry. Livestock losses have increased dramatically in the past decade and compensation payments have almost quadrupled. Local wildlife populations have been diminished by the over-populated predators and in some instances pets are also being taken.

If left unchecked, coyotes because they are opportunistic and adapt so readily, will continue to expand their range and food supply.