Diet and habitat use of coyotes in developed and undeveloped areas of Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Authors(s): S. Anderson and R. Wigglesworth

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Publication Date: 0000-00-00

Type: Annual, completed project

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Abstract: Coyotes (Canis latrans) are ubiquitous. They adapt extremely well to most environments, including areas dominated by people. Coyotes have been moving into urban and suburban areas in increasing numbers as human development encroaches upon open space. The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in diet and habitat use in coyotes that live in suburban and agricultural areas of Jackson Hole, Wyoming with coyotes that live in undisturbed areas of Grand Teton National Park. Coyote scat was collected and washed and will be dissected to determine prey use. Additionally, small mammal live traps were used to determine if prey availability was different between the two areas. Habitat use was measured by using radio telemetry to determine which habitat types coyotes were located in most frequently. Blood was drawn from the coyotes that were captured. Serological tests found that coyotes had been exposed to tularemia, leptospirosis, plague, canine distemper, and brucellosis. The data collected during this study may also be used as baseline data from which to compare how coyote populations might change as wolves (Canis lupis) continue to move into Jackson Hole.

Keywords: Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Wyoming, animal, mammal, canine, Canidae, coyote, Canis latrans, Jackson Hole, Teton County, habitat, suburban area, Grand Teton National Park, wolf, Canis lupus, human activity, radio collar, food, forage, disease, management, predation