Wily coyotes thrive in Central Park as animals adapt to urban life across US

Romeo and Juliet among at least 20 coyotes in New York City as animals gradually expand eastward into cities

In the spring this year in New York, Chris St Lawrence would finish work as a naturalist on a whale watching boat and then quickly make the 90-minute trek to Central Park to arrive in time for sunset, when a pair of coyotes often start to creep out.

St Lawrence, who is also a photographer, said it's taxing to stand for four hours on a boat, keeping his eyes peeled for marine mammals, and then to remain just as alert at the park in the middle of Manhattan, looking for Romeo and Juliet, as the coyotes have become known.