Relationship between Coyote Group Size and Diet in Southeastern Colorado

Abstract

We investigated the diet of coyotes (Canis latrans) on the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site (PCMS) in southeastern Colorado from February 1983 to June 1986. Based on regression analysis, 71% of the variation in the volume of large prey (e.g., adult ungulates) in coyote scats could be explained by coyote group size; 77% of this variation could be explained by coyote group size and snow depth. Snow depth alone explained 28% of the variation in the volume of large prey in the scats. Coyote group size explained 19% of the variation in the volume of medium size prey (e.g., lagomorphs and ungulate fawns) and 38% of the variation in the volume of small prey (e.g., rodents). Coyote groups were largest in winter and smallest in summer. Most juveniles dispersed before the largest group sizes were observed. Group foraging and snow depth may influence prey selection by coyotes in southeastern Colorado.