Author(s)

Madeline L. Metzger, Darrian Washinger, Carlos A. Iudica

Biology Department and Ecology Program, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA, USA.

Coyotes (Canis latrans) have been rapidly expanding into the Northeastern Region of the United States since the mid 1900’s most likely due to anthropogenic changes in their habitat. Several studies suggest that in addition to being top predators, coyotes are opportunistic feeders and are able to switch prey based on availability and density. Their generalist predation approach allows variation in their diets, and a widespread impact on the ecosystems in which they reside. In this paper, one hundred and seventy seven coyote stomachs were obtained throughout Pennsylvania from 2009-2012 and were dissected to define coyote winter diet. The contents were identified using ad hoc reference bone collections and a set of SEM hair images. Stomach contents were used to identify any correlation between sexual dimorphism and winter diets. It is hypothesized that if Pennsylvania’s coyotes show sexual dimorphism, male diets may differ from females. Being able to hunt larger animals may provide males the benefit of a higher caloric return. As a by-product of this research we are detailing a list of prey items found in the winter diet of C. latrans arranged by sex and location.

Coyote, Diet Composition, Stomach Dissection

Metzger, M. , Washinger, D. and Iudica, C. (2017) Winter Diet in Correlation to Sexual Dimorphism in Pennsylvania Coyotes (Canis latrans). Open Journal of Ecology, 7, 324-335. doi: 10.4236/oje.2017.75023.