Coyote scat serves as a common indicator of their presence across various environments, from wilderness areas to urban outskirts. Identifying these droppings offers valuable insights into local wildlife activity and their habits.
Identifying Coyote Scat
Coyote droppings appear rope-like and tubular, often with tapered or pointed ends. Their size ranges from 0.75 to 1.5 inches in diameter and can be between 3 to 12 inches long, though male coyote scat may sometimes measure larger. The overall shape can also be twisted, particularly when the diet includes a lot of fur.
The color and consistency of coyote scat vary based on what the animal has consumed. Scat resulting from a meat-heavy diet often appears dark brown to black and is firm, sometimes segmented. If coyotes have eaten a lot of fruit or berries, the scat might be lighter in color, appearing reddish or brownish, and can be more crumbly.
Coyote scat often contains visible contents like undigested hair, bone fragments, insect exoskeletons, seeds, and various plant matter, such as seasonal berries. Coyotes are opportunistic omnivores, and their droppings reflect this varied diet, sometimes even containing grass or human food waste.
How Coyote Scat Differs from Other Animal Droppings
Distinguishing coyote scat from other animals involves observing differences in size, shape, contents, and placement. Domestic dog scat, for instance, is more uniform in consistency and rarely contains the amounts of hair or bone fragments found in coyote droppings. Unlike coyotes, domestic dogs are less likely to place their feces in conspicuous spots for territorial purposes.
Fox scat is smaller than coyote scat, often measuring around 0.5 inches in diameter and 2 to 3 inches in length, and tends to have more pointed or twisted ends. While fox scat can also contain hair and bones, its smaller size is a key differentiator. Bobcat and mountain lion scat are larger and more segmented than coyote scat, sometimes with blunt ends. These larger cat droppings may also be found buried or scratched over, a behavior less common with coyotes.
Droppings from herbivores, such as deer and rabbits, are different, appearing as small, round, or oval pellets composed entirely of plant material. These pelleted forms offer a contrast to the tubular, often hair-filled scat of coyotes. The combination of these characteristics—size, shape, visible contents, and location—provides reliable clues for identification.
What Coyote Scat Reveals
Analyzing coyote scat provides insights into their dietary habits. The undigested contents within the droppings reveal what prey is available in the area, such as rodent fur or deer hair, and also indicate seasonal food sources like berries or seeds. This allows observers to understand the coyote’s adaptability and reliance on various food items throughout the year.
The placement of scat by coyotes serves as a form of territorial marking and communication. By depositing droppings in visible locations like trail intersections or on prominent objects, coyotes convey messages to other canids about their presence, the boundaries of their territory, and their social or reproductive status. This behavior helps in maintaining social order among coyote populations.
Finding coyote scat confirms the presence of these animals in an area, offering evidence of their activity. This information is useful for residents, hikers, and wildlife enthusiasts who wish to monitor coyote movements and understand their local distribution.
What to Do When You Encounter Coyote Scat
When encountering coyote scat, observe it without physical contact. Animal feces can carry parasites and various bacteria or viruses, posing health risks to humans and pets. If handling is necessary, wear gloves and a mask to minimize exposure.
For those who find coyote scat on their property, removing attractants helps deter coyotes. This includes securing pet food, ensuring trash cans have locking lids, and cleaning up fallen fruit. Securing pets and supervising them outdoors can also reduce risks.
If coyotes are seen or their scat indicates presence on private property, hazing techniques can be used to encourage them to leave. This involves making loud noises, waving arms, or throwing objects to make coyotes feel uncomfortable. In situations where coyote activity becomes a concern, reporting sightings or encounters to local animal control or wildlife authorities is appropriate.