Coyotes are highly adaptable wild canids that have expanded their range across North America, thriving in diverse environments from rural landscapes to urban settings. Coyotes are often elusive, but they leave various physical signs that provide evidence of their presence and behaviors. Understanding these clues helps identify their activity and movements.
Common Coyote Signs
One of the most frequent signs of coyote presence is their scat, or droppings. Coyote scat typically appears rope-like and tubular, often with tapered ends, and measures about 3 to 5 inches long and 0.75 to 1.5 inches in diameter. The contents often include visible hair, bone fragments, and sometimes seeds, grass, or fruit, reflecting their varied diet. Unlike domestic dog feces, which are usually softer due to processed diets, coyote scat is firm and can sometimes appear crumbly. Coyotes often deposit their scat in prominent locations, such as the middle of trails or near territory borders, using it as a form of communication.
Coyote tracks offer another reliable indicator, though they can be confused with those of domestic dogs. Coyote paw prints are generally oval-shaped and narrower than a dog’s, measuring approximately 2.5 inches long by 2 inches wide. A distinctive feature is the “X” shape that can be drawn in the negative space between the coyote’s footpad and toes, which is less common in dog prints. Coyote tracks typically show thin, sharp claw marks, often with only the middle two claws prominently visible, whereas domestic dogs often show all four claw impressions and have blunter nails. Coyotes tend to travel in straighter lines, unlike the more wandering or zig-zagging patterns often left by domestic dogs.
Other physical signs include tufts of fur caught on fences or thorns, especially where they might squeeze under or climb over obstacles. Disturbed areas, such as freshly dug holes under fences or around potential den sites, can also suggest coyote activity. Finding remains of small prey animals, like rabbits or rodents, at a feeding site further indicates their presence.
How Coyotes Consume Prey
Coyotes are opportunistic feeders, with a diverse diet depending on what is available. They primarily prey on small mammals such as rodents and rabbits, but they also consume insects, fruits, and carrion. In urban and suburban areas, they may also scavenge on pet food or garbage.
When consuming prey, coyotes typically begin by eating the internal organs, with the stomach often being the first part consumed due to its accessibility. Following this, they move to areas like the hindquarters and legs, which offer substantial meat. Coyotes generally consume most parts of their prey, including meat, bones, fur, and intestines, demonstrating an efficient use of resources.
Coyotes also exhibit caching behavior, burying excess food for later consumption. This practice is common when prey is abundant and they have more than they can immediately eat. They use their front paws to dig a small hole, place the food inside, and then cover it with soil or other materials to conceal it from other scavengers. Caching helps them manage their food supply and ensures a consistent food source, especially during leaner times.
Understanding the Clues
Interpreting the signs left by coyotes can provide insights into their movements and routines. Scat found in the middle of trails, for instance, often indicates a communication point or a travel corridor used by coyotes. The contents of the scat can also reveal recent dietary habits, such as a high proportion of fur suggesting a recent small mammal kill. Finding a concentration of signs, like multiple tracks and scat, might point to a frequently used hunting ground or a denning area.
Distinguishing coyote signs from those of other animals is important for accurate identification. The “X” pattern in the negative space of a coyote print is a helpful differentiator from many dog breeds. Fox tracks are generally smaller than coyote tracks, and a fox’s tail is notably bushier and often drags on the ground. When handling any animal scat, wearing gloves is advisable to prevent potential disease transmission.