Social Distribution and Population Estimates of Coyotes in North-Central Montana

Abstract

Social distribution and population dynamics of coyotes (C. latrans) were studied in the Missouri River Breaks of north-central Montana during 1976-1981. Relocations of radio-collared coyotes indicated 4 adult social behavior modes: den breeders, extra or supernumerary den nonbreeders, nomads and dispersers. During summer, den coyotes occupied areas that averaged 10 km2 for 8 males and 8 km2 for 3 females. Travel areas of nomad coyotes averaged 146 km2 for 3 males and 75 km2 for 2 females. Coyotes dispersed up to 152 km from trap sites to where they were killed. Coyote density in breaks habitat, estimated by selecting high counts from den area and siren response surveys, averaged 0.39/km2 during 1977-1979. Shooting, strongly associated with dispersal, accounted for most of the observed mortality.