Some aspects of the ecology of the coyote (Canis latrans Say) in southwestern Manitoba
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Date
1974
Authors
Pastuck, Russell Douglas
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Abstract
The feeding patterns of coyotes (Canis latrans) in southwestern Manitoba were determined by the analysis of 478 food samples. Lagomorphs and rodents were the main food sources. Wild ungulates, probably mostly as carrion, formed a large part of the winter diet. Domestic cattle were frequently eaten but most were believed to be carrion. Insects and vegetation were important foods from mid to late summer. Birds formed a small part of the diet. The male to female ratio was not significantly different from the expected 50:50. Average litter size was 5.73 in agricultural areas. A low percentage (approximately 10%) of short yearling females and about 75% of adult females (1 1/2 years and older) produced litters in 1971 and 1972. Two possible causes of the low representation in the short yearling age class were discussed. Filaroides osleri infected 55.2% of the lungs examined while none of the intestines examined were infected by Echinococcus spp.