Why do coyotes live on the plains?

Availability of prey: The Great Plains offer an abundant and diverse population of prey species for coyotes. These include small rodents such as prairie dogs, rabbits, and voles, as well as larger mammals like deer, pronghorns, and bison. Coyotes are opportunistic predators and will adapt their diet based on the availability of food.

Open landscape: Coyotes prefer open habitats where they can easily hunt and move around. The Great Plains provide vast expanses of grasslands, shrublands, and semi-arid desert regions that suit the coyote's lifestyle and hunting strategies.

Adaptations to the environment: Coyotes have evolved certain adaptations that make them well-suited for life on the plains. Their keen sense of hearing, excellent eyesight, and ability to run fast allow them to successfully hunt and avoid predators. They are also resourceful and can endure harsh weather conditions, including extreme temperatures and limited water availability.

Territorial behavior: Coyotes are territorial animals and establish home ranges to secure food resources and mates. The open landscape of the Great Plains allows them to establish and maintain larger territories compared to other habitats. This spacing-out behavior helps to prevent overpopulation and competition for resources within the coyote population.

Lack of natural predators: Coyotes have few natural predators on the Great Plains. Wolves and mountain lions, which are potential predators of coyotes, have limited populations in the region. This reduced predation pressure contributes to the success and prevalence of coyotes in this ecosystem.

In summary, the combination of abundant prey, open landscape, suitable adaptations, territorial behavior, and lack of natural predators makes the Great Plains an ideal habitat for coyotes, allowing them to thrive and establish successful populations in this region.