The question of whether coyotes actively scare deer away is a common one among those observing wildlife. While the presence of coyotes certainly influences deer behavior, the idea of deer being permanently “scared away” from an entire area is a simplification. Scientific understanding indicates a more complex relationship, involving specific predatory dynamics and behavioral adjustments by deer rather than widespread displacement.
Coyotes as Deer Predators
Coyotes are opportunistic predators that primarily target vulnerable deer. Their diet often includes fawns, which are particularly susceptible during their first few weeks of life.
Studies in regions like the Southeast show coyote predation accounts for a significant portion of fawn mortality. Research in Georgia, for example, found it responsible for 74% of predation-related fawn mortalities in one study, and 52.4% of all fawn mortalities in another.
Coyotes kill adult deer under specific circumstances, often targeting sick, old, or injured individuals, or those weakened by harsh winter conditions. Healthy, mature adult deer are less frequently preyed upon, as they defend themselves. While instances of packs bringing down adult deer occur, this is not their primary predation focus.
Behavioral Responses of Deer
Deer exhibit behavioral responses to coyotes, involving increased vigilance and subtle movement changes rather than complete abandonment. They increase scanning behaviors, spending more time looking for threats. This heightened awareness helps them detect predators early and react accordingly.
Deer adjust movement patterns, increasing rates in coyote-present areas as an avoidance strategy. However, research indicates deer do not avoid these areas, nor do they exhibit significant shifts in daily activity patterns to avoid encounters.
Deer have coexisted with coyotes for extended periods, adapting to their presence. They temporarily avoid specific locations or modify foraging patterns, but this does not equate to being “scared away” from a larger region.
Factors Influencing Deer-Coyote Interactions
Factors influence coyote and deer interactions. Population density plays a significant role; higher coyote densities lead to increased fawn mortality. However, some large-scale studies have not found a consistent impact of coyote colonization on overall deer population growth rates.
Habitat type also mediates these interactions. Dense cover provides fawns better concealment from predators, reducing predation risk. Conversely, coyotes utilize more open areas for hunting, affecting deer behavior.
Alternative food sources for coyotes, such as rodents or fruits, influence their predation on deer. Abundant other food lessens pressure on deer. The presence of other predators, like bobcats or bears, also affects the overall predation landscape for deer.