Winter Diet in Correlation to Sexual Dimorphism in Pennsylvania Coyotes (<i>Canis latrans</i>)

Abstract

Coyotes (Canis latrans) have been rapidly expanding into the Northeastern Region of the United States since the mid 1900's most likely due to anthropogenic changes in their habitat. Several studies suggest that in addition to being top predators, coyotes are opportunistic feeders and are able to switch prey based on availability and density. Their generalist predation approach allows variation in their diets, and a widespread impact on the ecosystems in which they reside. In this paper, one hundred and seventy seven coyote stomachs were obtained throughout Pennsylvania from 2009-2012 and were dissected to define coyote winter diet. The contents were identified using ad hoc reference bone collections and a set of SEM hair images. Stomach contents were used to identify any correlation between sexual dimorphism and winter diets. It is hypothesized that if Pennsylvania's coyotes show sexual dimorphism, male diets may differ from females. Being able to hunt larger animals may provide males the benefit of a higher caloric return. As a by-product of this research we are detailing a list of prey items found in the winter diet of C. latrans arranged by sex and location.

Factors Determining Coyote (<i>Canis latrans</i>) Diets

“…Physical characteristics of coyotes (i.e., age, sex, and body mass) were important factors determining food use. The lower consumption by young adults of medium-sized mammals and small game and juveniles of birds compared with adults, the reduced use by males of small mammals and greater use of mediumsized mammals and small game compared with females, and the lower consumption by small coyotes of large game compared to larger (i.e., medium and large) animals suggest that coyotes may be partitioning resources to reduce intraspecific competition [17] [35]. Additionally, foraging ability may differ depending on the age, sex, and size of coyotes, which may lead to differential effects on important prey (e.g., rabbits, deer, etc.)…”

“…Some studies have suggested coyotes focus primarily on a relatively few (3 -5) food types in an area (e.g., large mammals such as deer, insects, rabbits, or small mammals; [13] [14] [15] [16] [17]) while others suggest a more diverse diet, with many food types commonly consumed (e.g., [18] [19]). …”