Animal scat provides valuable insights into local wildlife. Identifying coyote scat reveals their presence and helps understand their diet and movements. Observing scat is a non-invasive way to study these adaptable canids.
General Appearance
Coyote scat typically exhibits a tubular or rope-like shape, often featuring tapered ends. Its size can vary, but generally, droppings are about 0.75 to 1.5 inches (1.9 to 3.8 cm) in diameter and range from 3 to 12 inches (7.6 to 30.5 cm) in length. The color of coyote scat is largely dependent on their diet, often appearing dark brown to black. However, it can also be lighter, even reddish-brown, if their diet includes more fruits and berries, or whitish if it contains significant bone fragments. The consistency can range from firm to crumbly, reflecting recent food consumption.
Common Contents
Coyote scat often contains undigested materials, reflecting their opportunistic diet. Droppings frequently include animal fur, small bone fragments, and sometimes feathers from their prey. Depending on the season, plant matter like seeds, berries, nuts, and grass may be present. These diverse elements help distinguish coyote scat from that of other animals.
Distinguishing from Other Animal Scat
Differentiating coyote scat from other animal droppings involves observing several features. Domestic dog scat, while similar in size, is typically more uniform in texture and lacks the significant amounts of undigested fur or bone fragments commonly found in coyote scat. Dog droppings also tend to be softer and less tapered than those of coyotes.
Fox scat is generally smaller and more slender, usually around 2 inches (5 cm) long and 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) in diameter, often with noticeably pointed ends. Bobcat scat can be segmented and may contain fur and bone, but it is often buried by the animal. Bear scat, much larger at 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) in diameter, frequently appears as a looser pile and contains abundant plant matter, especially berries, depending on the season.
Where to Find Coyote Scat
Coyotes often deposit their scat in prominent locations as a form of territorial marking. Common places to find coyote scat include the middle of trails, roads, or at trail intersections. They may also leave droppings on elevated points or along paths to maximize visibility to other coyotes and animals. Coyotes are highly adaptable and can be found in diverse habitats, including urban parks, suburban areas, open fields, and various types of forests.
Safety When Encountering Scat
When encountering any wild animal scat, including coyote scat, avoid direct contact. Always practice good hygiene by washing hands thoroughly with soap and water after any potential contact, even indirect. Wild animal feces can carry parasites, such as tapeworms, and bacteria, including Salmonella, that could pose health risks to humans and pets. Observing scat from a distance is recommended, and it should not be disturbed or handled without appropriate protective measures, such as wearing gloves.