Habitat Use, Diet, Social Organization, and Seroprevalence of Diseases in Coyotes (Canis latrans) in Grand Teton National Park and Suburban/ Agricultural Areas of Northwest Wyoming

Authors(s): R. R. Wigglesworth

Publication:

Publisher:

Publication Date: 0000-00-00

Type: M.S.

Location: Laramie

Abstract: Coyotes (Canis latrans) continue to become a part of urban, suburban, and agricultural landscapes as they move into human dominated areas and as these areas encroach on natural habitats. The public discomfort concerning coyotes in suburban areas has necessitated studies that describe the ecology of urban and suburban coyotes. However, few comparisons have been made of coyotes from two adjacent areas of differing human influence. This study was conducted in undeveloped areas of Grand Teton National Park and in adjacent suburban/ agricultural areas of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, from May 1998 to August 1999. The diet of coyotes was different between the two study areas. Although coyotes in both areas had a higher percentage of voles (Microtus spp.) in their diets than other prey item, coyotes from the suburban/agricultural area ate significantly more voles than coyotes from the undeveloped area. To compensate for this, coyotes from the undeveloped area had a significantly higher proportion of cervids and pocket gophers (Thomomys talpoides) in their diet. Coyotes used specific habitats within their home range; however they were habitat generalists within their core areas. In general, resident coyotes from the suburban/ agricultural area were more selective of habitats than resident coyotes from the undeveloped area. Coyotes selected or avoided habitats during times that would increase their foraging opportunities while minimizing their contact with humans. Serological studies showed that coyotes had been exposed to Francisella tularensis, three serovars of Leptospira interrogans, Yersinia pestis, canine distemper virus, and Brucella. Disease exposure in coyotes varied little between the two study areas with the exception that canine distemper virus was more prevalent in the suburban/ agricultural area. Coyotes that resided close to development in the suburban/ agricultural area existed in smaller groups than coyotes in the undeveloped area. Group cohesion was higher in the undeveloped area where exploitation and human influence was lower. Coyotes living in suburban/ agricultural settings where exploitation occurs exhibited different behaviors than coyotes living in undeveloped areas. These different behaviors allowed coyotes to exploit the resources provided by human dominated areas while minimizing the risks associated with such proximity.

Keywords: Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Wyoming, animal, mammal, canine, Canidae, Canis, coyote, Canis latrans, disease, habitat, forage, Grand Teton National Park, suburban area, human activity, Jackson Hole, Teton County, cervid, vole, Cricetidae, Muridae, Microtus spp., Microtus montanus, food, pocket gopher, gopher, Thomomys talpoides, habitat, food, predation, Northwest Wyoming, brucellosis