Distances traveled daily by coyotes, Canis latrans, in a pine-oak forest in Durango, Mexico

Abstract

Distances traveled daily by coyotes, Canis latrans, were monitored for 2 years (1990-1991) in an oak-pine forest (Pinus and Quercus) in Durango, Mexico. Fourteen adult coyotes (6 females and 8 males) were trapped, radiocollared, and monitored for 24-h periods during breeding, gestation, pup-rearing, and juvenile independence seasons. Mean distances traveled by day by males (16.47 km) were longer than those traveled by females (12.51 km). Mean distances traveled at night were longer (8.24 km) than distances traveled by day (6.51 km), for both sexes. Females and males traveled similar mean distances by day and by night during seasons of breeding, gestation, and juvenile independence. During the pup-rearing season, however, travel by males and females was predominantly nocturnal. Daily distances traveled by coyotes appear to be determined by energy demands imposed by these biological seasons.