Coyotes, those elusive and adaptable canids, are found across North America and beyond. While sightings are sometimes rare, their presence is often revealed through their scat – their droppings. Learning to identify coyote scat can be a valuable tool for wildlife enthusiasts, hikers, and anyone interested in understanding the local ecosystem. This guide will help you distinguish coyote droppings from other animal waste, focusing on visual characteristics and contextual clues.
What Does Coyote Poop Look Like?
Coyote scat varies in appearance depending on their diet, but some common characteristics help with identification.
Size and Shape:
- Size: Typically, coyote droppings range from 6 to 12 inches long, though this can vary. They're generally larger than those of smaller animals like foxes or cats.
- Shape: Often cylindrical or sausage-like, sometimes tapering at one end. They might be slightly twisted or curved. Unlike the more spiral droppings of some other animals, coyote scat tends to be relatively straight.
Color and Texture:
- Color: The color depends heavily on their diet. It can range from dark brown or black (when eating mostly meat) to lighter browns and even greyish (when consuming more vegetation). The presence of undigested material influences the color significantly.
- Texture: Typically firm when fresh, but it will dry out and become hard and brittle over time. The texture can range from relatively smooth to coarse, depending on the ingested material.
Content:
- Undigested Material: This is a crucial identification aspect. You might find undigested bits of bone, fur, feathers, berries, seeds, or insect fragments within the scat. The presence of these materials gives clues to the coyote’s recent meals. The proportion of undigested material can vary significantly. Meat-heavy diets will show more bone fragments, while diets including more berries and plants will display seeds or plant matter.
- Smell: While not visually apparent, the smell of coyote droppings is often described as musky and pungent, much stronger than that of smaller canids. However, the scent will depend largely on the age and environmental conditions.
Distinguishing Coyote Droppings from Other Animals
It's crucial to differentiate coyote scat from similar-looking droppings of other animals. Several characteristics can help:
Coyote vs. Dog:
While similar in size and shape, dog droppings often contain more readily identifiable bits of processed food, such as kibble fragments. Context is also important; finding scat near a hiking trail suggests a domestic dog more likely than a coyote.
Coyote vs. Fox:
Fox droppings are typically smaller and more slender than those of coyotes. They are also often more twisted or spiral in shape.
Coyote vs. Wolf:
Wolves, where present, leave much larger droppings than coyotes, and the content might include larger bone fragments.
Finding and Observing Coyote Scat Responsibly
Remember to observe coyote scat from a safe distance. Avoid direct contact to prevent the spread of potential diseases or parasites. Observe using binoculars or from a vantage point that ensures your safety and doesn't disturb wildlife.
Documenting your observations (with photographs from a safe distance, of course) and noting the location and associated environmental factors can contribute significantly to wildlife studies and ecological understanding.
Conclusion
Identifying coyote scat requires careful observation and a keen eye for detail. By understanding the size, shape, color, texture, and contents of coyote droppings, you can significantly improve your ability to distinguish them from the droppings of other animals. Remember, responsible observation is key to both your safety and the preservation of wildlife habitats.
