Animal Foods:
* Small mammals: Rabbits, squirrels, voles, mice, rats, ground squirrels, gophers, chipmunks
* Birds: Eggs, nestlings, and adults
* Larger mammals: Deer fawns, livestock (sheep, goats, calves), and sometimes adult deer, especially if injured or weak
* Reptiles and amphibians: Lizards, snakes, frogs, toads
* Insects: Grasshoppers, beetles, crickets, caterpillars
Plant Foods:
* Fruits: Berries, apples, peaches, melons
* Grains: Corn, wheat, oats, barley
* Roots and tubers: Carrots, potatoes, turnips
* Seeds: Nuts, acorns, sunflower seeds
Other Food Sources:
* Carrion: Dead animals, both wild and domestic
* Garbage: Food scraps, leftovers, and other refuse
Factors Influencing Diet:
* Season: Diet changes with the availability of different food sources throughout the year.
* Location: Coyotes in different regions have different diets based on local prey and vegetation.
* Competition: Coyotes may adjust their diet based on the presence of other predators, like wolves or bobcats.
Human Impact:
Humans have a significant influence on coyote diets. The presence of garbage, livestock, and pet food can make coyotes more reliant on human-provided food sources. This can lead to problems like coyotes becoming accustomed to humans and potentially becoming aggressive.