Coyotes and armadillos are two distinct species often found sharing similar landscapes across various regions. Coyotes, known for their adaptability, inhabit diverse environments, while armadillos, particularly the nine-banded armadillo, have expanded their range across the southeastern United States. This shared presence naturally leads to questions about their interactions, specifically regarding whether coyotes prey on armadillos.
The Predation Question: Do Coyotes Eat Armadillos?
Coyotes are opportunistic predators with a highly varied diet, consuming what is available and easiest to catch. While they do occasionally prey on armadillos, these armored mammals are not a primary or frequent food source. Coyotes typically prefer more accessible options like rodents, rabbits, and even deer.
The armadillo’s tough, armored shell presents a challenge for most predators, making them less desirable prey. While coyotes may attempt to capture an armadillo, successful kills are not always guaranteed. Research indicates armadillos constitute only a trace level of a coyote’s diet, often less than 3%, which can include scavenging on deceased animals, such as those killed by vehicles.
Armadillo Defenses and Coyote Hunting Strategies
Armadillos are known for their unique defensive armor, consisting of bony plates covered with keratin. This tough exterior, reflected in their name “little armored one,” provides significant protection. When threatened, some armadillo species, like the three-banded armadillo, can roll completely into a tight ball, shielding their vulnerable undersides. This defensive posture makes it difficult for a predator to inflict injury.
However, the nine-banded armadillo, the most common species in the U.S., cannot fully encase itself in a ball. Instead, it relies on its armor, rapid digging, or sudden leaps into the air to evade threats. Coyotes, as adaptable hunters, have been observed attempting to overcome these defenses. They may try to flip an armadillo over to expose its softer belly or target less protected areas. Despite these attempts, the armadillo’s armor can be quite effective, with some encounters showing coyotes briefly capturing but then losing an armadillo.
Ecological Context of Predation
The interaction between coyotes and armadillos is influenced by habitat overlap and the availability of other food sources. Both species are found in similar habitats across the southern United States, from forests and grasslands to more developed areas, leading to frequent encounters. Coyotes are generalist predators, meaning their diet is highly flexible and includes a wide range of animals and even plant matter like fruits and berries.
The presence of abundant, easier-to-catch prey, such as rodents, rabbits, and small mammals, often reduces the likelihood of coyotes actively hunting armadillos. While there is a high overlap in their nocturnal activity patterns, studies suggest that armadillo occurrence is not significantly limited by coyotes. Juvenile armadillos, with their less developed shells, may be more vulnerable to predation. Ultimately, while coyotes are a natural predator of armadillos, they do not represent a significant portion of their diet, and other factors, such as vehicle collisions, pose a more substantial threat to armadillo populations.