Coyotes, those elusive and adaptable canids, are found throughout North America and beyond. Learning to identify their scat—that's coyote poop to you and me—can be a valuable skill for hikers, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the natural world around them. This guide will help you confidently distinguish coyote droppings from other animal waste, offering insights into their diet and habitat.
What Does Coyote Poop Look Like?
Coyote scat varies in appearance depending on the coyote's diet and the time of year. However, several key characteristics consistently help in identification:
Size and Shape:
- Size: Typically ranges from 6 to 12 inches long, but can be shorter or longer depending on the coyote's recent meals.
- Shape: Usually cylindrical or slightly tapered at one end. It might be somewhat twisted or curved. It's rarely perfectly formed.
Color and Texture:
- Color: The color is highly variable. It can range from dark brown or black to a lighter grayish brown, and may even contain traces of undigested food items that affect the overall color.
- Texture: Generally, it's firm when fresh, but may dry out and become brittle with time and exposure to the elements. The consistency can vary depending on the diet. A diet rich in bones might lead to a more gritty texture.
Content:
- Undigested Material: Often contains fragments of undigested food, providing clues about the coyote's recent diet. Look for bones, fur, feathers, berries, and seeds. These inclusions are crucial for identification.
- White or Gray Patches: The presence of white or gray patches might indicate the presence of undigested bone fragments.
Distinguishing Coyote Droppings from Other Animals
Identifying coyote scat accurately requires differentiating it from other animals that might share similar habitats. Here's a comparison:
Coyote vs. Dog:
While similar in appearance, dog droppings are often smaller and more erratic in shape. Also, consider the location. Dog scat is more likely to be found in populated areas.
Coyote vs. Fox:
Fox scat is generally smaller and more slender than coyote scat. Fox scat often contains a higher proportion of undigested material, particularly bone fragments.
Coyote vs. Wolf:
Wolf scat is significantly larger than coyote scat, typically measuring over 12 inches in length and often containing larger bone fragments.
Where to Find Coyote Droppings
Coyote scat can be found in various locations, often along trails, near water sources, or in areas with plentiful prey. Observe your surroundings for other signs of coyote activity, such as tracks, scratch marks, and dens.
Caution and Safety
Always observe wildlife from a safe distance. Never approach or handle animal scat directly. Many diseases can be transmitted through fecal matter.
Conclusion
While images are helpful, understanding the characteristics described above is crucial for accurate identification of coyote droppings. Remember that variations in diet and other factors can influence the appearance of the scat. By carefully observing its size, shape, color, texture, and content, you can confidently distinguish coyote scat from other animals, gaining valuable insight into the presence and behavior of these fascinating creatures in their natural environment.
