Why are there fewer coyotes than mice?

It's not necessarily true that there are fewer coyotes than mice. In fact, it's likely the opposite is true: there are significantly more mice than coyotes in most areas.

Here's why:

* Ecological Roles: Coyotes are apex predators, meaning they sit at the top of the food chain. Their population is naturally limited by the availability of prey. Mice, on the other hand, are prey animals, and their populations can fluctuate drastically depending on food availability and other factors.

* Reproduction Rates: Mice reproduce much faster than coyotes. They have multiple litters per year with many offspring, while coyotes typically have one litter of 4-7 pups. This allows mice to quickly replenish their numbers even with high predation rates.

* Habitat: Coyotes are adaptable and can thrive in a wide range of environments, but mice are found in even more diverse habitats, including urban areas. This gives them a wider range to spread and flourish.

It's important to remember that population numbers can vary greatly depending on location, time of year, and other environmental factors. However, in general, it's safe to say that there are far more mice than coyotes in most ecosystems.