Unbelievable Facts About the Eating Habits of Coyotes

Meet the Coyote

Coyotes belong to the family Canidae, which also includes wolves, dogs, and jackals. They are native to North America and look very similar to wolves, so similar that they are sometimes called prairie wolves or brush wolves. However, coyotes are smaller than wolves. They have pointed ears that stand permanently upright, a thin muzzle with a pointed nose, a slender body covered in thick fur, and a long bushy tail. They also have a strong sense of smell and excellent vision.

Their scientific name is Canis latrans, which means "barking dog." They have 19 subspecies that differ from each other in their genetics and their distribution range across the continent. Coyotes are considered one of the most adaptive animals in the world, able to adjust to different habitats and different food sources with remarkable ease.

What Do Coyotes Eat?

A coyote's adaptive behavior shows up most clearly in the way it hunts. Rather than sticking to one type of prey, coyotes eat whatever is most available in their area. Though they mainly follow a carnivorous diet, they are considered highly flexible in what they will eat, their menu can change over time and from place to place.

Coyotes prey on rodents, rabbits, sheep, deer, mountain beavers, porcupines (if experienced enough), lizards, birds, snakes, crustaceans, fish, snails, insects, woodchucks, and squirrels, along with other small mammals. At times they may even feed on young black bears, fishers, and harp seals.

Fruits and vegetables also appear in a coyote's diet. They eat apples, blueberries, blackberries, cantaloupe, pears, peaches, watermelon, and carrots, among others. They will also feed on carrion (the dead remains of animals) though they generally prefer fresh meat when they can get it.

Coyotes also eat grasses, including green wheat blades, and cultivated grains such as wheat, sorghum, beans, and corn.

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How Diet Changes With the Seasons

A coyote's diet shifts with the seasons. In winter, their food mainly consists of the dead remains of ungulates, large hooved animals. They may also attack snowshoe hare and deer during this cold period.

In summer, spring, and fall, rodents make up the biggest part of their diet. They also eat fruits, berries, and grass during these warmer months. During dry seasons, coyotes seek out moisture-rich food like melons. When water is scarce, they may search for a cattle tank or even dig in the ground to find it.

Coyotes in Cities

Coyotes are now commonly found in many urban areas. Climate change, habitat destruction, and other pressures have pushed them into cities and suburbs. In these settings, they are usually attracted to pet food and garbage. Coyotes are also known to attack unsupervised domestic pets, mostly cats and dogs. Another reason they target domestic dogs is to defend their territories from intruders.

Coyotes are also known to attack livestock and poultry, which is why farmers and ranchers often call them destructive pests.

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Surviving in the Desert

Their adaptability reaches its most impressive form in desert environments. Coyotes survive in deserts by eating cactus fruit, lizards, snakes, mesquite beans, rodents, rabbits, birds, and whatever else happens to be available. The desert may seem like a harsh place to make a living, but for a coyote, it is just another habitat to master.

Hunting Behaviors

Coyotes are generally nocturnal hunters, but a hungry coyote will also hunt during the day. When the prey is small, a single coyote handles it alone. Larger prey is brought down by a group working together. These predators attack from the front, targeting the throat and head. Any excess food is stored away for use later.

Tips to Protect Your Pets

Many people worry about the safety of their pets because of coyote attacks on domestic animals. Here are some simple steps to help keep your pets safe.

• Never leave your pet unsupervised outside, especially at night.
• If coyote activity is common in your area, keep your pet indoors, including their food and water bowls, which can attract coyotes.
• Make sure trash can lids are tightly fitted. Accessible garbage invites coyotes close to your home. The same applies to fallen fruit from trees: pick it up and dispose of it.

Considering everything, it is clear that coyotes can eat almost anything within their reach. That flexibility (across seasons, habitats, and even continents of urban sprawl) is exactly what makes them one of the most successful wild animals in North America today.