Coyotes are adaptable canids found across diverse North American environments, from forests to deserts and even urban areas. While skilled predators, they also serve as prey for larger animals within the food web, playing a role in ecosystem dynamics.
Primary Predators of Coyotes
Wolves are significant natural predators of coyotes. Studies have shown a notable decline in coyote populations, sometimes as much as 39%, in areas where wolves have been reintroduced. Wolves frequently kill coyotes due to territorial disputes and competition for shared resources like deer. They may not always consume the coyote after a kill, indicating that competition is a primary driver of these encounters.
Cougars, also known as mountain lions, are important predators of coyotes. These ambush hunters will prey on coyotes opportunistically. Research suggests that cougars can kill a substantial portion, up to one-quarter, of a local coyote population annually. Coyotes often scavenge on cougar kills, but this behavior carries a risk of predation.
Bears, including both grizzly and black bears, can prey on coyotes, though it is not a primary food source. Predation by bears is often opportunistic, occurring when a bear encounters a vulnerable, injured, or young coyote. Territorial disputes or severe hunger can also lead to these interactions. While black bears are omnivores, their diet primarily consists of vegetation, insects, and carrion, making coyote predation a less common event.
Other Natural Threats to Coyotes
Large raptors, such as golden eagles, can prey on coyotes, particularly pups. Golden eagles have been observed attacking and killing adult coyotes, especially when defending a carcass or during periods of food scarcity. While less common, these aerial assaults highlight another natural check on coyote numbers.
Bobcats and lynx, smaller felids, also pose a threat, particularly to coyote pups or weakened adults. American alligators are also known to prey on coyotes, especially where their habitats overlap.
Intraspecific predation, where coyotes kill other coyotes, also occurs. This can happen during territorial disputes between rival packs or as a result of infanticide.
Factors Influencing Predation
A coyote’s vulnerability to predation is influenced by its age and health. Young pups are particularly susceptible due to their size and inexperience. Older, sick, or injured coyotes are also more likely to be targeted as they are less able to defend themselves or escape.
Habitat and terrain impact a coyote’s risk of predation. Open plains offer less cover, making coyotes more visible, while dense forests provide more opportunities for ambush. Factors like snow depth can also affect a coyote’s ability to evade predators.
Prey availability and competition for food resources play a role. When primary prey sources are scarce, larger predators may target coyotes. Coyotes might also take greater risks, such as scavenging near larger predators’ kills, when food is limited.
Population density can influence predation rates, as higher coyote densities lead to increased encounters with natural predators. The presence of larger carnivores can help regulate coyote populations, especially in certain habitats.