Diets of sympatric red foxes and coyotes in southeastern Idaho

Authors

Jeffrey S. Green, Brigham Young University
Jerran T. Flinders, Brigham Young University

Abstract

Scats of sympatric red foxes and coyotes from the upper Snake River Plain of southeastern Idaho were analyzed for composition. Rodent remains in general and those of cricetid mice in particular occurred more frequently in scats of red foxes during all seasons of the year than any other food items identified. Scats of coyotes differed significantly in content from scats of red foxes during winter and contained primarily pygmy rabbit remains. In summer, remains of pygmy rabbits, sheep, ground squirrels, yellow-bellied marmots, arthropods, and vegetation were formed more frequently in scats of coyotes and remains of cricetid mice occurred more frequently in scats of red foxes. Red foxes and coyotes generally consumed similar food items but in different proportions. Based on the location of scats that were collected, red foxes and coyotes largely used different portions of the study area. Reasons for the preferential usage of habitat are discussed.

Recommended Citation

Green, Jeffrey S. and Flinders, Jerran T. (1981) "Diets of sympatric red foxes and coyotes in southeastern Idaho," Great Basin Naturalist: Vol. 41: No. 2, Article 14.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/gbn/vol41/iss2/14