Winter space use of coyotes in high-elevation environments: behavioral adaptations to deep-snow landscapes

Abstract

In the last century, coyotes (Canis latrans) have expanded their range geographically, but have also expanded their use of habitats within currently occupied regions. Because coyotes are not morphologically adapted for travel in deep snow, we studied coyote space use patterns in a deep-snow landscape to examine behavioral adaptations enabling them to use high elevations during winter. We examined the influence of snow depth, snow penetrability, canopy cover, and habitat type, as well as the rates of prey and predator track encounters, on coyote travel distance in high-elevation terrain in northwestern Wyoming, USA. We backtracked 13 radio-collared coyotes for 265.41 km during the winters of 2006-2007 and 2007-2008, and compared habitat use and movement patterns of the actual coyotes with 259.11 km of random travel paths. Coyotes used specific habitats differently than were available on the landscape. Open woodlands were used for the majority of coyote travel distance, followed by mixed conifer, and closed-stand spruce-fir. Prey track encounters peaked in closed-stand, mature Douglas fir, followed by 50-to 150-year-old lodgepole pine stands, and 0-to 40-year-old regeneration lodgepole pine stands. Snowmobile trails had the most variation between use and availability on the landscape (12.0 % use vs. 0.6 % available). Coyotes increased use of habitats with dense canopy cover as snow penetration increased and rates of rodent and red squirrel track encounters increased. Additionally, coyotes spent more time in habitats containing more tracks of ungulates. Conversely, use of habitats with less canopy cover decreased as snow depth increased, and coyotes traveled more directly in habitats with less canopy cover and lower snow penetration, suggesting coyotes used these habitats to travel. Coyotes persisted throughout the winter and effectively used resources despite deep snow conditions in a high-elevation environment.

Space use and social ecology of coyotes (Canis latrans) in a high-elevation ecosystem: relative stability in a changing environment

“…On the VCNP, we found the territories of the resident coyote packs to be relatively stable both seasonally and annually, similar to other studies in high-elevation environments (Gese et al 1996a;Dowd et al 2014). Even when availability of various sized prey changed seasonally and annually (Gifford 2013), space use and social ecology of the coyote packs remained unchanged.…”

“…There have been numerous studies of coyote (Canis latrans) social and spatial ecology throughout North America (e.g., Messier and Barrette 1982;Andelt 1985;Mills and Knowlton 1991), but few studies have been conducted on coyotes at high elevations (e.g., Bekoff and Wells 1980;Bowen 1982;Gese et al 1996a;Dowd et al 2014). A general consensus of studies indicates coyote space use can be stable through time (Kitchen et al 2000a;Young et al 2006), but varies by geographic location.…”

Potential influence of high‐elevation wind farms on carnivore mobility

“…We expected that both snowpack characteristics would increase reliance on compacted roads and trails, yet there was a negative association with penetrability. The movement of both species is compromised by deep powdery snow (Halpin and Bissonette , Crête and Larivière , Gese et al , Dowd et al ), which limits locomotion (Murray and Boutin , Crête and Larivière ) and increases reliance on compacted snow surfaces or habitats that ameliorate deep snowpack when snow depth increases (Halpin and Bissonette , Gese et al , Dowd et al ), as observed in this study. However, extreme cold and deep, powdery snow can limit coyote and red fox movements (Bekoff and Wells , Halpin and Bissonette , Meia and Weber ), and these conditions were common during mid‐winter surveys and at higher elevations (Sirén ).…”

“…Mammalian carnivores greatly influence lower trophic levels (Crooks and Soulé , Sergio et al ) yet respond differentially to climate and environment (Pozzanghera et al ), and habitat loss and fragmentation (Crooks ). Those living in northern latitudes are sensitive to changes in snowpack and include habitat specialists and generalists (Dowd et al , Pozzanghera et al ). For example, Canada lynx ( Lynx canadensis ) are adapted for deep snow and primarily inhabit boreal forest (Murray et al , Hoving et al ).…”

“…Previous studies indicate that deep and low‐density snow causes generalist carnivores to either modify habitat use (Halpin and Bissonette , Dowd et al ) or become increasingly reliant on compacted snow surfaces to adapt to conditions that hinder locomotion (Crête and Larivière , Bunnell et al , Gese et al ). However, these relationships are less pronounced during mild winters (Meia and Weber , Crête and Larivière , Kolbe et al ).…”