* Coyotes are scavengers: They are opportunistic eaters and will take advantage of easy meals.
* Bear carcasses are big: A dead bear is a large amount of meat, and coyotes are relatively small. They might scavenge on the carcass but wouldn't be able to consume the whole thing.
* Competition: Other larger scavengers, like wolves, mountain lions, and even other bears, would be more likely to take advantage of a bear carcass.
* Disease: There's a risk of disease from a dead bear, so coyotes might be more cautious about eating a carcass, especially if it's been there for a while.
What your guide outfitter is likely referring to is:
* Coyotes scavenging on the remains of a bear kill: A bear might kill another animal, and then the coyote will come in and eat the leftovers.
* A small or very young bear carcass: In this case, a coyote might be able to take advantage of a smaller, weaker bear carcass.
In short, while coyotes might scavenge on a dead bear carcass, it's not a typical food source for them. They are more likely to eat the remains of a bear kill or a very small/weak bear.