Coyote Movements Research Articles

The influence of snow on lynx and coyote movements: does morphology affect behavior?

We studied sympatric lynx (Lynx canadensis) and coyotes (Canis latrans) to assess how morphological disadvantages to locomotion over snow affected movement patterns. Both species are of similar size and mass, but the feet of lynx are much larger, and coyotes were found to have 4.1-8.8 times the foot-load (ratio of body mass to foot area) of lynx. This resulted in greater mean sinking depths of coyote limbs, although the magnitude of the difference was less than that in foot-load. Coyotes exhibited stronger use of behavioral patterns that reduced negative effects of snow on movements. Coyotes were most abundant at low elevations where snow was shallow, whereas lynx were mostly at higher elevations. Coyotes also used areas at both elevations where snow was shallower than average, while lynx used areas where snow was deeper. further, both species used travel routes where snow was shallower than it was near the track. Coyotes traveled on harder snow and used trails more frequently, thereby tending to reduce sinking depths to those similar to lynx. The behavioral repertoire of coyotes reduced the morphological advantage of large feet possessed by lynx; however, overall sinking depths were still greater in coyotes. Snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) were the main prey of both species, and their foot-load was less than that of either predator. Hare kills by coyotes occurred after fewer bounds than did those by lynx, and the large difference between foot-loads of both species of predators may have forced coyotes to ambush rather than chase hares, as did lynx.

Changes in Coyote Movements Due to Military Activity

We investigated the response of coyotes (Canis latrans) to military activity on the Pifion Canyon Maneuver Site (PCMS), Colorado, during 1984-86. Sixteen coyotes responded to military activity by expanding, contracting, abandoning, or not changing their home range during military maneuvers compared to before and after maneuvers. Three coyotes abandoned their home ranges, with 1 animal returning to its original (i.e., pre-military activity) home range 1 week after maneuvers. Most coyotes that expanded or contracted their home range during military maneuvers resumed their original home range after military maneuvers ceased. Responses appeared to be related to the amount of available cover, topography, and intensity of military activity in a coyote's home range. Coyote activity patterns during the day increased, while activity at sunrise, sunset, and night remained the same during military activity. J. WILDL. MANAGE. 53(2):334-339 The response of wildlife populations to human disturbances is of concern to wildlife professionals and the public. Most research has concentrated on the response of big game species to logging (Peek and Hieb 1976, Van Dyke et al. 1986), mining (Amstrup 1978, Helms 1978, Kuck et al. 1985), recreation (Dorrance et al. 1975, Richens and Lavigne 1978, Ferguson and Keith 1982), and development (Van Dyke et al. 1986, Knight et al. 1988). The response of protected species (e.g., raptors) to recreation and human activity has also been documented (Stalmaster and Newman 1978, Knight and Knight 1984, Andersen et al. 1986). The response of coyotes to increased human activity is unknown. We documented the effect of military activity on coyote home-range size, geometric centers of activity, and activity patterns. We thank P. A. Terletzky, G. B. Perlmutter, B. A. Abel, F. M. Lentsch, and J. L. Williamson for field assistance; the Western Energy and Land Use Team and K. M. Firchow for habitat mapping; J. R. Cary for computer and statistical assistance; and N. S. Smith, D. E. Andersen, T. L. Warren, A. P. Pfister, and S. R. Emmons for review of the manuscript. This study was funded by the Environmental, Energy, and Natural Resources Division, U.S. Army, Fort Carson, Colorado, through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Colorado Fish and Wildlife Assistance Office, Golden, Colorado, and the USFWS Wisconsin Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, and the Graduate School, University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Denning Ecology and Movements of Coyotes in Maine during Pup Rearing

Den attendance, movements, and home range of eight adult coyotes (Canis la- trans) attending pups were investigated during 1981-1983 in eastern Maine. Coyote families used several dens during pup rearing, and dens were frequently relocated following human disturbance. Six den entrances were oriented 120-236' from north. Two coyote families aban- doned dens when pups were 8-10 weeks of age. Males and females shared in the duties of pup raising, and both frequently attended pups. Movement rates and home ranges of adult coyotes increased from the nursing to weaning periods, but movements and home ranges of adults were greatest after pups became independent. Movements suggested that males centered their activities near den sites during the nursing period to supply food for mates and protection for pups. Females were more restricted than males during pup rearing because of nursing responsibilities.

Coyote Movements, Habitat Use, and Vulnerability in Central Alberta

Coyote Movements, Habitat Use, and Vulnerability in Central Alberta

Predation by Wild Coyotes: Behavioral and Ecological Analyses

Predatory behavior of coyotes ( Canis latrans ) was studied between 1977 and 1980 in the Grand Teton National Park, Jackson, Wyoming. Major prey were voles ( Microtus spp.), Uinta ground squirrels ( Spermophilus armatus ), pocket gophers ( Thomomys talpoides ), and grasshoppers (Locustidae). Coyotes typically rushed and ran down squirrels; when hunting mice, coyotes pounced and stabbed at them with their forepaws. Sequence structure was similar, though sequences directed to squirrels were significantly more variable. When juvenile coyotes hunted mice, sequences were similar to those performed by adults that hunted mice. Adults and juveniles were about equally successful. The size of prey last eaten influenced the interval until the next search was initiated; the larger the prey, the longer the interval. However, the time interval since the last capture and the outcome (capture or failure) of the next predatory attempt were not correlated. Durations of search, orient, and stalk were longer in short (<10 cm) grass than in tall grass; stalk, orient, and total durations also were more variable in short grass. Coyotes that hunted in short grass were more successful. Durations of all acts were shorter and coyotes were more successful in snow less than 10 cm deep than in deeper snow. Mean orient and total durations were more variable in deep snow. Height of ground-cover apparently affected coyote movements and the way in which cues from prey were perceived. Local wind conditions did not affect capture success. Coyotes were least successful when they hunted mice and more successful when they hunted squirrels. More time was spent searching and stalking squirrels.

Coyote Movements, Habitat Use, and Food Habits in Southwestern Oklahoma

Coyote Movements, Habitat Use, and Food Habits in Southwestern Oklahoma

Home Range, Activity, and Daily Movements of Coyotes

Home Range, Activity, and Daily Movements of Coyotes

Movements of Breeding Coyotes with Emphasis on Den Site Relationships

The movements of seven coyotes in relation to den sites and the spatial interactions of four of the coyotes, two mated pairs, were investigated with radio-telemetry in southeastern Nebraska. Coyotes involved in rearing pups generally increased their activity around den sites from prebreeding through breeding, gestation, nursing, and early pup training periods. Strong social bonds were evident in one mated pair from January through October 1976 and in another pair from July 1977 through June 1978.

A Position on Predator Management

A Position on Predator Management