Newest KC contingent: Coyotes

Coyotes can survive in the concrete jungle according to recent studies. A story regarding a coyote in a KC mattress store is cited with other numerous instances of these highly adaptive animals making the transition from rural to urban environments.

The remarkably adaptive critters, famous for roaming rural stretches, have long been spotted in cities and suburban areas. But some naturalists suspect the ranks of urban coyotes may be swelling as the animals migrate from the open spaces of the West and Southeast toward the East and Midwest.

In more heavily populated areas, they're drawn to the ample rabbits, rodents and small house pets that are easy pickings compared to running down a fawn in the forest. Parks, golf courses and well-tended residential areas provide a good food source and cover. Throw in dog food left outside or food scraps in trash cans, and you sweeten the chance a coyote comes calling.

Actually, I think the prospect of coyotes (other than the kind that bring Mexicans) in downtown Kansas City is pretty cool and I don't really care if it's not what downtown loft and condo dwellers signed up for . . . Additionally, wild (and wily) coyotes cruising around downtown Kansas City just might be the only solution to remove homeless, vagrant beggars from urban streets. Truly, it's kind of amazing that KC is playing a bigger part in the circle of life.