Natural Predators:
* Larger canids: Wolves, especially in areas where they overlap, can prey on coyotes, particularly young or weak individuals.
* Bears: While not a direct predator, bears may compete with coyotes for food and occasionally kill them.
* Mountain lions: In areas where their ranges overlap, mountain lions can prey on coyotes, especially young or solitary individuals.
* Bobcats: Bobcats are smaller than coyotes, but they can compete with them for food and sometimes prey on young coyotes.
* Large birds of prey: Golden eagles and great horned owls can occasionally prey on coyotes, especially young ones.
Human-Made Threats:
* Hunting and trapping: Coyotes are hunted and trapped in many areas, particularly for population control or to protect livestock.
* Vehicle collisions: Coyotes are often killed by cars, especially in urban and suburban areas.
* Disease: Coyotes are susceptible to diseases like rabies, distemper, and mange, which can impact their survival.
* Habitat loss: As humans continue to develop land, coyote habitat is being fragmented and destroyed, making it harder for them to thrive.
Competition for Food:
* Other predators: Coyotes compete with other predators, such as foxes, bobcats, and even domestic dogs, for food resources.
* Humans: Humans can also be a source of competition for coyotes, especially in areas where coyotes have adapted to scavenging from human refuse.
Overall, while coyotes are highly adaptable and successful predators, they do face a number of threats from both natural and human-made sources.