Activity patterns and daily movements of the Eastern Coyote, Canis latrans, in Nova Scotia

Abstract

We studied the daily activity patterns and movements of 36 radio-collared Coyotes (Canis latrans) in Nova Scotia from January 1993 through August 1996. Coyotes exhibited several periods of activity and rest throughout the day. Mean length of active and rest periods were 136 ± 93 (± SD), and 164 ± 131 min, respectively. The mean duration of active and rest periods were not significantly different with respect to time of day, season, or Coyote reproductive status. Annually, Coyotes traveled an average of 20.2 ± 8.9 km per 24-hour period with the greatest distances being traveled by breeding males during the pup rearing season (24.9 ± 9.2 km) and the least by all Coyotes (pooled) during winter (14.3±5.9 km).