Understanding the Diet of an Unmanaged Population of Coyotes in Southern Texas

Our study evaluated the diet of a coyote population in southern Texas on a ranch where coyotes are not managed (no predator control). We collected coyote dung from road transects of the East Foundation’s San Antonio Viejo Ranch every month in 2022. We identified 23 prey items in coyote dung. Within all months combined, white-tailed deer were the most common prey (38%) followed by wild pigs (14%). These ungulates were found in coyote dung at a higher rate than in many other studies. This suggests that unmanaged coyote populations, with an older age structure, may select for larger bodied prey compared to managed coyote populations with younger age animals – these young coyote populations often select small mammals (rodents) as prey.

Citation

related PUBLICATIONS

Understanding the Diet of an Unmanaged Population of Coyotes in Southern Texas

May 22, 2025
Peer-Reviewed

Enabling Endangered Species Conservation on Private Land: A Case Study of the Ocelot in Texas

May 19, 2025
Peer-Reviewed

Temporal Relationships of Breeding Landbirds and Productivity on a Working Landscape

February 17, 2025
Peer-Reviewed

Perspectives on Agricultural Research Organizations: A New Tool for Agricultural Research and Land Stewardship

January 29, 2025
Peer-Reviewed

Determining the Age Classes of Free-ranging Female Nilgai in Southern Texas, USA

December 21, 2024
Peer-Reviewed

Hematology and Biochemical Reference Intervals and Seroprevalence of Hemorrhagic Diseases for Free-Ranging Mule Deer in West Texas

December 12, 2024
Peer-Reviewed

Contact Our Education Team

Complete the form below and our team will reach out shortly.