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Coyotes in Yellowstone National Park |
Coyotes in Yellowstone National Park frequent roadsides, and fields adjacent to roadsides throughout the park. Although coyotes are not as numerous as buffaloes and elk in Yellowstone National Park, it doesn't take a lot of effort to see them while traveling in the park. |
 Coyote tail down near Roosevelt Junction in Yellowstone National Park © Shawn Coggins Coyotes are smaller then wolves and generally run with their tail down. Unlike a wolf which holds it's tail out straight. Don't use tail position as final judgment on which animal your observing. | |||
 Roadside coyote, waiting for a tourist to hit something for it to eat in Yellowstone National Park, near West Entrance. Photo © Shawn Coggins.  Pouncing coyote between Norris and West Yellowstone, Yellowstone National Park. Photo © Shawn Coggins Coyotes stand still locating rodents as much by hearing as by sight, then leap from a standstill into the air, hoping to capture their prey by surprise. "Consumes a variety of foods and carrion. Will eat almost anything, plant or animal. Emphasizes small mammals, fawns, plants, birds, and invertebrates. During winter, often preys on deer. Commonly preys on domestic sheep (FWP). Rodents and rabbits imp. year round. Grasshoppers, crickets, fruits may be used in summer and fall. Food habits vary bet- ween seasons and areas. May take adult deer in winter. Young deer, elk, and pronghorn in spring." Note 01 | |||
Photo above is a coyote scavenging a wolf killed elk carcass in Yellowstone National Park. YouTube animation of coyote eating wolf killed elk carcass inYellowstone National Park. |
 Coyote near Roosevelt area in Yellowstone National Park. © Shawn Coggins Coyotes are now facing fierce competition for territory Yellowstone National Park from wolves. References: |
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