The coyote is one of North America’s most successful and adaptable carnivores, largely due to its flexible and opportunistic diet. As true omnivores, their ability to consume a wide variety of foods allows them to thrive in ecosystems ranging from untouched wilderness to bustling city centers. This dietary adaptability is a foundation of their survival, enabling them to find sustenance in nearly any environment.
Primary Natural Food Sources
In wild and rural settings, coyotes are effective predators, with their diet primarily consisting of animal matter. Small mammals form the foundation of their food supply, including rodents like mice, voles, and gophers, as well as rabbits and squirrels. This predation on small mammals provides a consistent and abundant food source.
Their predatory behavior is not limited to mammals. Coyotes are opportunistic and will also consume birds, snakes, lizards, and large insects like grasshoppers when the chance arises. This diverse range of prey demonstrates their capacity to switch between food types based on availability.
Beyond active hunting, coyotes play an important ecological role as scavengers. They readily consume carrion, the meat of animals they did not kill themselves. This often includes large animals like deer that may have died from other causes. By cleaning up carcasses, they contribute to the health of their ecosystem while securing a meal that requires minimal energy.
The Role of Plants in Their Diet
While known for their predatory habits, coyotes are not strictly carnivores and integrate a surprising amount of plant matter into their diet. This omnivorous behavior is often seasonal, aligning with the availability of ripe fruits and vegetation. They consume various fruits, with persimmons and wild berries being common examples, and fallen fruit from orchard trees provides an easy food source.
The consumption of vegetation extends beyond just fruits. Coyotes have been observed eating other plant materials, including certain types of grasses and seeds. Although these items do not form the bulk of their diet, they serve as an important supplement, particularly when animal prey is scarce.
This inclusion of plant foods highlights the coyote’s dietary flexibility. By not relying solely on meat, they can exploit a wider range of resources within their territory. This adaptability ensures they can find nourishment in diverse habitats, from arid deserts where they might eat cactus fruit to temperate forests rich with berries.
Dietary Adaptations in Human Environments
The dietary habits of coyotes shift significantly in suburban and urban landscapes, where they exploit resources provided by human activity. They take advantage of easily accessible food from unsecured garbage cans, open compost piles, and pet food left outdoors. These items offer a reliable and high-calorie food source with minimal effort.
This adaptation to human environments also includes preying on domestic animals. Unsupervised pets, particularly cats and small dogs, can become targets for urban coyotes. This behavior is not driven by aggression but by opportunistic instinct; a small, unattended animal is viewed as an available meal. Backyard poultry, such as chickens, are also vulnerable.
Studies analyzing coyote scat in urban areas have confirmed this dietary shift. While small mammals still make up a portion of their diet, evidence of human-related food is common. Researchers have found everything from fast-food wrappers to the remains of ornamental fruits from residential yards, illustrating the diverse menu of the urban coyote. This ability to thrive on our leftovers is a testament to their adaptability.