Seasonal Changes in Coyote Food Habits as Determined by Fecal Analysis

1 April 1983

journal article
research article
Published by JSTOR in The American Midland Naturalist

Vol. 109 (2) , 266-273
https://doi.org/10.2307/2425406

Abstract

Feces were analyzed to determine the food habits of coyotes (C. latrans) in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, California [USA]. Of 748 food items identified from 223 scats, mammals made up 53%, vegetation 23%, arthropods 9%, reptiles 1%, birds 1% and miscellaneous items 3%. Percent relative frequency of mammalian food items decreased significantly from winter (78%) to summer (52%). Conversely percent of arthropod remains in summer scats (11%) increased significantly from winter scats (0%). Percent occurrence of vegetation in feces also increased significantly from winter (12%) to summer (22%). Observations of coyotes did not vary significantly between seasons. Coyotes apparently feed opportunistically in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.

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