Coyote Feeding Strategies in Southeastern Idaho: Optimal Foraging by an Opportunistic Predator?

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Abstract
We examined coyote (Canis latrans) food habits, abundance, and distribution in relation to changes in abundance of their major prey (leporids) during October 1977-July 1979 and April 1982-July 1983. Black-tailed jack rabbit (Lepus californicus) populations experienced a 10-fold increase during our study, whereas Nuttall''s cottontail (Sylvilagus nuttalii) populations remained relatively stable. During periods of low jack rabbit abundance, cottontails and montane voles (Microtus montanus) made up approximately 41 and 10% of the coyote diet, respectively. During the period of greatest jack rabbit abundance, they were the primary food of coyotes (45% of diet) and coyote abundance increased. The 3 primary prey of coyotes were ranked as to profitability based on energy and protein content, digestibility, and body size. Coyote diets were dominated by the most profitable foods. The ingestion of foods of lower profitability by coyotes was dependent on the abundance of the most profitable foods. Foods were added to the coyote diet in order of profitability. Only in the least profitable situation, in terms of prey availability, did coyote diet diversity significantly (P < 0.001) increase.