Problem

Coyotes have adapted well to suburban and urban landscapes. Their populations have tremendously expanded in areas where they come into contact — and sometimes conflict — with people. Unlike many other wildlife species that inhabit cities, coyotes are often considered a nuisance when they are simply seen. People are sensitive to the animals' real or perceived threat to pets or children. Many complaints regarding coyotes are merely that they exist near people, regardless of whether the wild canines have caused any damage or threat. Dr. Stan Gehrt of The Ohio State University and his team of researchers have studied coyotes in the Chicago area for many years. They have learned volumes about coyote behavior, diet, genetics, range, and — perhaps most importantly — how people and coyotes can co-exist in heavily populated urban areas.

Solution

DJ Case public engagement strategists and web developers worked with Dr. Stan Gehrt and his team to design and develop a website that serves as the Cook County Urban Coyote Research Program's primary public outreach tool - UrbanCoyoteResearch.com.

The website is designed to provide quick, easy, on-the-go access to both simple information such as how to avoid conflicts with coyotes, as well as in-depth scientific research for urban wildlife managers and academicians.

The site also features media coverage on urban coyotes alongside interpretation and response from urban coyote researchers. A Stories from the Field section of the site provides an engaging glimpse into the day-to-day work and findings of program researchers.

Process

  • Lean Startup
  • Agile

Code

  • Drupal 8
  • XML
  • Bootstrap