The Eastern Coyote (Canis latrans) is a highly adaptable predator found in nearly every environment across Illinois, from undeveloped forests to major urban centers. Its widespread presence is linked to its remarkable dietary flexibility. The food sources available shift dramatically depending on the season and landscape, resulting in a varied, omnivorous diet.
The Core Ecological Diet
The foundation of the coyote’s diet consists primarily of small and medium-sized mammals, providing a reliable, year-round calorie source. Scientific analysis of coyote scat in the Chicago metropolitan area indicated that small rodents—such as mice, voles, and shrews—were the most frequently consumed item, appearing in over 40% of samples examined.
Eastern cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus) are another important prey item, particularly during the winter months in rural parts of the state. Studies in southeastern Illinois have shown that cottontails can constitute nearly half of the coyote’s diet by volume during the colder season. Coyotes also interact with white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) populations, though they primarily consume deer as carrion or by preying on vulnerable fawns.
Predation on newborn deer fawns is a significant factor in localized areas where coyotes are often the dominant predator of young deer. In a study in southern Illinois, coyote predation was found to be the cause of nearly 70% of all fawn mortality. Consumption of adult deer is generally limited to scavenging on carcasses, especially those resulting from vehicle collisions or winter die-offs.
Opportunistic and Seasonal Foraging
The coyote’s status as an omnivore is confirmed by its regular consumption of non-mammalian items, which become more prominent during warmer months. This seasonal shift allows the coyote to capitalize on temporarily abundant resources. Fruit is a substantial component of the diet, second only to small rodents in overall frequency across various Illinois habitats.
Specific wild fruits, such as persimmons and blackberries, are consumed when they ripen in late summer and fall, providing a valuable source of carbohydrates. Insects, including large species like June beetles, also become a supplementary food source during the summer. Scavenging natural carrion, such as roadkill, also plays a role, especially during periods when live prey is harder to catch.
Diet in Human-Dominated Landscapes
Coyotes living in suburban and urban areas display the greatest dietary flexibility, incorporating numerous human-associated food sources. The presence of anthropogenic foods allows for higher coyote densities in developed areas compared to natural habitats. Unsecured garbage is a direct source of food, though coyotes are often more attracted to the rodents that feed on the refuse.
Bird feeders, while not a direct food source, create a predictable feeding station that attracts mice and squirrels, which become concentrated prey for the canid. Spilled bird seed or dropped fruit from ornamental trees in residential yards also provide supplementary calories. The occasional consumption of pet food left outdoors further links the coyote’s diet to human behavior.
The most sensitive aspect of the urban coyote’s diet involves domestic animals. Formal studies found that domestic cat remains occurred in less than 2% of coyote scat, despite public concern. However, the predation risk is real for small, unattended pets, such as cats and small dogs, which coyotes view as potential prey. Residents directly influence the availability of these high-calorie sources by securing garbage, removing pet food, and supervising small animals outdoors.