Coyotes have the ability to adjust their litter sizes based on food abundance and population density. The largest litter found during this study held 11 pups in one den. Litter sizes often range from four to seven pups, though some litters can be bigger and some smaller. Some coyotes select secluded areas for their dens, whereas others in more urbanized areas have less selection and may use dens near buildings or roads or even in parking lots. It is not uncommon for mothers to move their young from den to den to keep them protected or to re-use the same den in multiple years.
They usually prefer some protective cover at the den, such as bushes or trees, and some type of slope for drainage. Coyotes will also build dens from scratch by digging a hole. Dens may consist of a hollowed-out tree stump, rock outcrop, or existing burrow made by raccoons, skunks or other medium-sized carnivores. Pup season is the only time coyotes will voluntarily use a den otherwise, coyotes usually sleep above ground in the open or in cover. In April, after a 62 to 65-day gestation period, the female will begin looking for existing dens or dig one herself. Therefore, a number of pairs have maintained bonds for multiple years (read the story about coyotes 1 and 115). Coyotes appear to be strongly monogamous and so far, bonds between alpha pairs have only been broken upon the death of one of the pair. Visit the new research page for information on a novel scientific procedure we are now using to further investigate diets.Ĭoyotes typically mate in February, however, only the alpha pair in a pack will mate and subordinates will usually help raise the young. While this only shows the most recent meal of any animal, when compared to many other mortalities, results are consistent. Stomach contents may provide the most exact picture of what a coyote is eating because it is not yet digested and still identifiable. Rodents are nearly always present in the diet, with a mixture of other items depending on the season. The diet results found by Morey is often mimicked by what is found through necropsy. For diet analysis, the stomach and intestinal tract are investigated to classify and quantify contents. These are either study animals that died or road-killed animals that are found even though they are dead, these coyotes still provide a wealth of knowledge about their lives. Apparently, the majority of coyotes in our study area do not, in fact, rely on pets or garbage for their diets.Īnother way coyote diets can be determined is by performing necropsies (like autopsies in people) of deceased coyotes. (Scats often have more than one diet item therefore, frequencies do not necessarily add up to 100%). The most common food items were small rodents (42%), fruit (23%), deer (22%), and rabbit (18%). After investigating 1,429 scats, he found that diet items varied across space and time, which reflects the flexible food habits of coyotes. Researcher Paul Morey analyzed scat (fecal matter) contents at different locations within our study area. Coyotes are generally scavengers and predators of small prey but can shift to large prey occasionally. Although coyotes are predators, they are also opportunistic feeders and shift their diets to take advantage of the most available prey. They communicate with a distinctive call, which at night often develops into a raucous canine chorus.Some people believe that urban coyotes primarily eat garbage and pets. The pups are able to hunt on their own by the following fall.Ĭoyotes are smaller than wolves and are sometimes called prairie wolves or brush wolves. Both parents feed and protect their young and their territory. In spring, females den and give birth to litters of three to twelve pups.
In the fall and winter, they form packs for more effective hunting.Ĭoyotes form strong family groups.
BehaviorĬoyotes are formidable in the field where they enjoy keen vision and a strong sense of smell. Because they sometimes kill lambs, calves, or other livestock, as well as pets, many ranchers and farmers regard them as destructive pests.
They also happily dine on insects, snakes, fruit, grass, and carrion. They hunt rabbits, rodents, fish, frogs, and even deer. These adaptable animals will eat almost anything. Coyote populations are likely at an all-time high. They have even colonized cities like Los Angeles, and are now found over most of North America. These members of the dog family once lived primarily in open prairies and deserts, but now roam the continent's forests and mountains. Modern coyotes have displayed their cleverness by adapting to the changing American landscape. The coyote appears often in the tales and traditions of Native Americans-usually as a very savvy and clever beast.
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