The coyote (Canis latrans) is a highly adaptable North American canid that often generates questions about its eating habits. The direct answer to whether coyotes eat plants is yes. They are classified as opportunistic omnivores, meaning their diet is flexible and includes both animal matter and vegetation. This broad dietary preference is a major reason coyotes thrive across diverse landscapes, from remote wilderness to urban centers.
The Coyote as an Omnivore
Coyotes are fundamentally meat-eaters, with small mammals, such as rodents and rabbits, forming the backbone of their diet in most regions. Despite this preference for animal protein, they are categorized as omnivores because they regularly incorporate plant matter into their foraging routine. This vegetation acts as a supplement, becoming more important when primary prey is scarce or difficult to catch. The coyote’s dentition, featuring larger chewing surfaces on its molars compared to specialized carnivores like the wolf, reflects this reliance on vegetable matter. They will readily switch to plants when they offer an easy source of calories and nutrients.
Specific Plant Matter Consumed
The types of plant material coyotes eat are varied, often reflecting what is locally abundant and easy to access. Wild fruits and berries are frequently consumed, including blackberries, blueberries, grapes, and crab apples, which provide a burst of sugar and moisture. In the southwestern United States, for example, they may eat native sources like cactus fruit or mesquite pods. Coyotes living closer to human settlements have also incorporated cultivated crops into their diet. They are known to feed on:
- Fallen apples, pears, and peaches.
- Garden vegetables like corn, melons, and carrots.
- Various grasses and seeds.
Seasonal and Geographic Influence on Diet
The consumption of plants by coyotes is highly dependent on the time of year and their specific location. Vegetation intake generally peaks during the warmer months of summer and autumn when fruits and berries are at their ripest and most abundant. This seasonal shift allows them to take advantage of easily gathered food sources when the energy cost of hunting may be higher. Geographic location also dictates the types of plants eaten. In drier, desert environments, plant matter can be a source of hydration as well as nutrition, providing much-needed moisture. Conversely, in regions with dense temperate forests, their diet tends to remain more carnivorous due to a greater availability of large prey.