The coyote, or Canis latrans, is an incredibly adaptable species that has thrived across a vast range of habitats, from remote wilderness to densely populated urban centers. This success is directly tied to its highly flexible diet, establishing the coyote not as a strict carnivore, but as an opportunistic generalist predator and scavenger. The coyote’s dietary choices are primarily dictated by the availability of food sources, which allows it to exploit resources that other, more specialized predators cannot.
The Core Diet: Carnivorous Predation
The foundation of the coyote’s diet is meat, which it secures primarily through hunting small to medium-sized mammals. Rodents, such as voles, pocket gophers, and ground squirrels, represent a staple food source and can constitute a significant portion of their intake in certain habitats, sometimes up to 70% of the overall diet. Lagomorphs, including various species of rabbits and hares, are also frequently preyed upon, often becoming a preferred target when they are abundant in the spring and winter months.
Coyotes typically hunt alone or in pairs, employing various strategies to secure these smaller animals. Their hunting behavior is characterized by a focused stalk followed by a quick pounce, which is effective for capturing small, hidden prey. While generally solitary, coyotes can occasionally form loosely knit packs to take down larger prey. This group effort allows them to successfully target animals like deer fawns, particularly white-tailed deer fawns in the southeastern United States.
Larger coyotes, such as those found in the northeast, sometimes prey on adult deer that are already compromised, such as those that are sick or weak from winter conditions. Beyond mammals, their diet extends to secondary meat sources like birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish, which are consumed opportunistically. The coyote’s dentition, featuring larger chewing surfaces on the molars compared to a specialized carnivore like the wolf, illustrates its evolutionary adaptation toward a more varied diet.
Beyond Meat: The Omnivorous Adaptations
While their predatory skills are well-developed, coyotes are true omnivores, relying heavily on non-meat food items to sustain themselves, particularly when prey is scarce. This dietary flexibility is a major factor in their ability to survive across diverse environments. Plant matter is a routine component of their diet, including various fruits, berries, and nuts consumed when they are in season.
The consumption of plant material increases dramatically during the summer and autumn months, reflecting the abundance of ripened produce. Specific items like strawberries, blueberries, peaches, and even wild grass blades are incorporated into their feeding habits. This intake of vegetation helps supplement their diet, especially during times when small mammal populations are less accessible.
Insects also provide a significant source of protein and fat, with items like grasshoppers and beetles commonly consumed. Scavenging is a regular behavior, allowing them to utilize carrion. In areas near human development, this scavenging extends to anthropogenic food sources. These include human refuse, pet food left outdoors, and the remains of livestock.
Seasonal and Regional Dietary Shifts
The coyote’s diet changes considerably based on the time of year and the specific habitat it occupies. Seasonal fluctuations in prey availability directly influence what a coyote consumes. Rodent prey generally increases during the spring, summer, and fall when they are most active and accessible. Conversely, when small mammals are harder to find, coyotes may shift to consuming more carrion, especially large ungulate carcasses, during the winter months.
Geographical location also creates distinct dietary profiles, notably between rural and urban populations. Coyotes in natural, rural areas tend to maintain a higher reliance on native prey like rodents and rabbits. However, coyotes in highly developed urban environments often consume more anthropogenic food, such as garbage and discarded human food waste, though small rodents remain a common food item even in cities.
In urban areas, human-associated food items can make up a significant portion of their diet, demonstrating a heightened level of opportunistic feeding. Urban coyotes may also prey on domestic animals, such as free-roaming house cats, though this type of predation is often localized. The ability to switch between natural prey, plant matter, and human-derived subsidies is the driving force behind the coyote’s continued expansion across the continent.