Coyote Demography during a Snowshoe Hare Decline in Alberta

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Abstract
Demographic changes among coyotes (Canis latrans) in forested areas of Alberta were monitored during 1970-1975 by examining 1135 carcasses obtained from trappers and other sources. During this period, both snowshoe hare (L. americanus) and coyote populations declined from cyclic peaks to low levels. Use of hares by coyotes decreased 62-71%; use of such alternative foods as mice, voles and carrion increased with declining hare population levels. Indices of total food consumption per coyote decreased with hare abundance because of the low availability to alternate foods in the boreal forest. Decreases in body-fat indices during late winter suggested that coyotes experienced a negative energy balance during hare scarcity. Coyote pregnancy rates and litter sized declined with the hare population and annual finite rates of reproduction decreased 33%. Sex ratios of coyotes favored males when hares were at intermediate levels, but were balanced at abundant and scarce levels. The proportion of juveniles decreased from 64% during 1970-1971 (year of hare peak) to 41-44% during 1973-1975 (years of hare scarcity). Important demographic changes generally did not occur until hares became scarce.

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