An investigation of coyote (Canis latrans) habitat use-movement patterns, and mortality in developed and undeveloped land in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Authors(s): S. Anderson, D. Wachob and M. McGee

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Publication Date: 0000-00-00

Type: annual report

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Abstract: A study of coyote (Canis latrans) habitat use-movement patterns, and mortality in Grand Teton National Park and the suburban-agricultural areas surrounding Jackson, WY was conducted between 15 August 1999 and 15 August 2000. This research focused on the influence of human development, habitat type, topography, and simulated wolf presence on fine scale coyote habitat use and movement (travel paths). This project also investigated the causes of mortality for marked coyotes, and compares the spatial habitat use, gender, social status, and activity cycles of coyotes that died vs. coyotes that survived. Eight coyotes were captured and fitted with radio collars equipped with activity and mortality sensors to add to the twenty-one surviving coyotes collared by Nate McClennen and Rachel Wigglesworth in 1998. There were a total of fifteen collared coyotes in the suburban-agricultural area and fourteen collared coyotes in Grand Teton National Park and adjacent areas of Bridger Teton National Forest. Marked coyotes were located twice a week by radio telemetry to determine habitat use patterns, response to wolf urine scent grids, and mortalities. Marked coyote movements were tracked weekly using short interval (5-15 minute) relocations to determine patterns of travel paths. During the winter track transects were skied weekly and coyote trails were backtracked and mapped using hand held GPS units to determine travel path patterns. Data analyses on coyote travel paths suggest that coyotes use travel paths mainly in sagebrush-grasslands or forest shrub-grass edge areas. Coyotes frequently used trails and roads, south facing slopes, and ridges when moving long distances. We also observed frequent use of riparian corridors to move between open meadows mainly in the suburban-agricultural area. There is some evidence that suggests coyotes selectively travel fences and irrigation ditches for long distances in agricultural areas. The data on coyote locations suggests some avoidance of wolf urine scent grids in the National Park area, but not in the suburban agricultural area. We have recorded 9 mortalities (31%) of 29 marked animals. Human caused mortalities made up 88% of the overall mortalities. The influence of spatial habitat use, gender, social status, and activity on mortality is currently being assessed. Radio telemetry locations and travel paths, as well as snow tracking will continue at least through spring of 2001. The goal of this project is to provide information on the baseline parameters of the coyote population in Jackson Hole that can be used in the future to determine what if any impacts wolves, and human developments may have on coyotes in Jackson Hole.

Keywords: animal, mammal, Canidae, canine, coyote, Canis latrans, Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole, Teton County, migration, mortality, population, human activity, habitat, wolf, Canis lupus, radio collar, Bridger-Teton National Forest, management, suburban area