1. Are any animals killed/harmed for this project? 

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Nope! All carcasses obtained are salvaged. Animals are opportunistically collected via roadkill, conflict removal, and those that fail to get better at a wildlife rehabilitation center. 

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2. Where are coyotes found in Seattle? 

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Coyotes can be found in nearly all green spaces at different periods of time throughout Seattle!

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3. What are you collecting when conducting necropsies? 

 

We are collecting a variety of qualitative and quantitative data from each carcass. Before cutting into the carcass, we assess body condition, take measurements, determine sex, collect ectoparasites (fleas and ticks), and collect a tissue sample for genetics. Once we open the carcass, we sample most of the organs and assess any internal abnormalities. The livers will allow us to assess rodenticide and heavy metal exposure. Kidney tissue is sent out for another research team who is investigating the rates of Leptospirosis (a type of bacteria) in wildlife. We collect the entire gastro-intestinal tract which then gets frozen and dissected at a later point in time to determine diet and intestinal parasite load. Additionally, we determine pregnancy status for females. 

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More coming soon!