ANALYSIS OF COYOTE PREDATION ON DEER AND ELK DURING WINTER IN YELLOWSTONE-NATIONAL-PARK, WYOMING

Direct observations of coyote (Canis latrans) predation on large wild prey are rare. We observed nine predation attempts by coyotes on deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and elk (Cervus elaphus) during winter in Yel lowstone National Park, Wyoming. Coyotes were successful in five attem pts. The alpha male coyote led the attack in eight of nine observation s. Snow depth was significantly deeper during successful kills compare d to unsuccessful attempts. Two adult coyotes could successfully kill calf and adult elk when there was deep snowcover and the prey was in p oor nutritional condition.