Coyotes are a highly adaptable, native species within the Yellowstone National Park ecosystem. They have been a fixture in the region for centuries, long before the establishment of the protected area. As versatile scavengers and predators, coyotes play a key part in the complex food web of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Coyote Presence and Distribution in Yellowstone
The coyote is a common and widely distributed native carnivore found throughout the park. Their population is abundant across various habitats. Yellowstone’s coyotes are among the largest in the United States, with adults often weighing between 30 and 40 pounds. Their adaptability allows them to thrive everywhere from deep forests to open grasslands and the unique thermal areas. They are often observed near roadways and human-use areas, contrasting with other large predators that require more secluded habitats. Visitors have the highest chance of encountering them in the open valleys and meadows of the northern range.
Ecological Role and Behavior
Coyotes function as opportunistic, generalist predators and mesopredators. Their diet shifts with the seasons and available resources. The primary food source consists of small mammals, particularly voles, mice, and pocket gophers, which they hunt by pouncing. During winter, their diet expands to include carrion from elk and bison killed by harsh weather or larger predators. They also prey on vulnerable ungulates, such as newborn elk calves or weakened adults.
Coyotes typically exhibit a crepuscular activity pattern, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk. They live in social units ranging from solitary individuals to small family groups or packs of up to ten animals. These groups maintain territories through scent-marking and characteristic howls. A dominance hierarchy within a pack dictates access to resources and mates, with alpha individuals typically having higher reproductive success.
Coyote, Wolf, and Ecosystem Dynamics
The reintroduction of the gray wolf to Yellowstone in 1995 changed the dynamics for the coyote population. Before the wolves returned, coyotes were the dominant mid-sized predator. Wolves displaced them through interference competition, leading to a documented decline in the coyote population, especially in the northern range where wolf density was highest. Wolves view coyotes as competitors and actively chase and kill them, particularly near carcasses or within wolf territory. This predation pressure forced coyotes to adjust their behavior and distribution to avoid confrontation.
Coyotes responded by forming smaller pack sizes and shifting den locations closer to human activity, such as near park roads or rocky outcrops, which wolves tend to avoid. Although wolves reduced the coyote population density, they also indirectly provided a food subsidy. Coyotes learned to scavenge on wolf-killed ungulates, a strategy that is advantageous despite the increased risk of attack. This relationship demonstrates how the return of the apex predator suppressed the mesopredator, potentially causing cascading effects on smaller predators like the red fox. Despite the initial impact, the coyote population is successfully coexisting with the wolves through behavioral adaptation.
Visitor Safety and Viewing Guidelines
Observing coyotes requires adherence to safety protocols. The National Park Service mandates that visitors maintain a minimum distance of 25 yards (23 meters) from coyotes and all other wildlife. Approaching or feeding any wild animal is prohibited and carries penalties. Coyotes accustomed to human food can quickly lose their natural wariness and become aggressive. If a coyote approaches, stand tall, make noise, and appear as large as possible to deter it; back away slowly and never run, as this may trigger a predatory pursuit response.
The best times to view coyotes are typically during the cooler parts of the day, specifically early morning or late afternoon when they are most active. Visitors should use binoculars or telephoto lenses to observe coyotes from a safe distance, ensuring the animal’s behavior is not altered by their presence. Reporting any unusual or aggressive animal behavior to a park ranger is important for maintaining wildlife safety.