The boundaries between wildlife habitat and human habitat are seldom discrete, static, or exclusive. For many wildlife species, such boundaries are vague, if they exist at all. Familiar examples include raccoons and bats which rarely hesitate to inhabit suburbs and cities. This also occurs for species once considered too shy or unadaptable to tolerate human activity and development. Foxes and coyotes have been seen more frequently in residential areas. Whether these wild canids choose these habitats or are relegated to them, these areas still offer habitat value.

Reports of foxes and coyotes near homes increase in the spring and summer. At this time, both species may be more active due to the additional food demands of raising young. As summer days lengthen and nights shorten, nocturnal foxes and coyotes are apt to extend their activity into daylight hours. This, along with increased human activity outdoors, results in the foxes and coyotes becoming more visible.

Why do they invade the suburbs? If they can accept occasional disturbances from cars, dogs and people, suburbs may offer food and shelter. Pet food left outdoors, compost piles, berry bushes, and fruit trees are attractive food sources. Foxes and coyotes rarely live exclusively in residential areas but visit from associated undeveloped land. Their use of suburbs suggests that either alternative suitable habitat is occupied or that the suburbs are preferred. Territoriality combined with a high reproductive rate may be forcing some coyotes into developed areas. Recent research has shown that red foxes are excluded from coyote territories and this interaction could force foxes to reside closer to human habitat.

Homeowners are often concerned about potential danger to children and pets from foxes and coyotes. Both species may attack cats, and coyotes may attack dogs, particularly small dogs. These conflicts are witnessed and reported regularly. Although coyotes and foxes may be bold, aggressiveness towards humans has not been observed in Connecticut and attacks on humans are exceedingly rare. Despite this, many people maintain an unfounded phobia of these wild canids.

Foxes and coyotes may be discourages from residential areas by scaring them with loud noises (such as shouting), and placing unnatural odors (such as ammonia or kerosene on rags) in restricted areas. Eliminating food sources may also encourage them to leave the area. Persistent foxes and coyotes can be sprayed with a hose. Pets can be protected by limiting their time outdoors, increasing human supervision, and keeping hem within fences areas. Although the danger to children is minuscule, they can be protected by similar measures.