Documenting the Status and Effects of Coyotes in Florida

19th Annual SW CISMA Workshop 22 Jan 2015

Mixed Heritage

Coyote

Red Wolf

Eastern Wolf Gray Wolf

Range Expansion

West versus East

Coyote

Gray Wolf

Eastern Coyote

Eastern Timber Wolf

Red Wolf

West 15-35lbs

East 18-50lbs

Arrival in Florida

• Range expansion

• Eradication of wolves

• Land conversion

• Human Assisted

• Key West ?

Spread of Coyote in Florida

Brady & Campbell. 1983

Scent Survey Data. 1997-99. (M. Main) Carcass Data. (M. Main) Personal Communication

Wooding & Hardisky. 1990

Furthest southern observation (Key Largo, 2011)

Main et al. 2000

Why do we care?

Increased Wildlife Impacts

Early Florida Cattleman Obs.

Suspected Coyote Calf kills

Photo credits: Lance Holden & Cary Lightsey

• Coyote are a predator

• Coyote can and do kill calves

• How often does this occur?

• What proportion of early calf loss might be attributable coyote?

• Is this a frequent behavioral occurrence or abnormal for coyote?

• Is this a learnt behavior?

Rancher Concerns

1. We undertook a rancher survey at the and of 2014 https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/T3J9T77

2. In collaboration with USDA National Wildlife Research Center we have started a study on understanding coyote behavior during calving

3. What are the most effective methods to reduce calf loss?

Research Directions

Coyote Survey Results – so far…

• 43 respondents of which 38 have cattle, 106049 acres, 21500 head of cattle.

• Of these 38, 28 answered yes to the question of “Do coyotes attack livestock on your ranch?” What surprised me was that the 43% of ranchers who answered yes had observed a direct attack or kill by a coyote.

• Of the 38, 90% find indirect evidence, such as, coyote at carcass, drug carcass, bite marks, evisceration or coyote footprints and sign.

Coyote Survey – Age

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Brood cows whilebirthing

Newborn calves 1-7 days of age 7-21 days of age 3 weeks - 8 weeks ofage

Older than 2 months

Month of observed suspected attacks

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Ranchers first remembered evidence of suspected coyote attack on calf

65%

Comparison over years since coyotes started increasing range and density

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1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015

• Collar up to 15-30 coyotes across 3-5 different ranchers each year • Track and measure behavior during calving season and non-

calving season – Record time near cattle – Observe cattle responses – Record calf-coyote interactions – Record calf-loss to coyotes

• Identify when the coyote breeding season starts • Locate dens and establish game cameras to measure activity and

food brought to pups • Understand landscape use and spatio-temporal patterns of

coyotes in rangelands.

Field Studies Year 2014-2016

Baited and Lured Trap Sets

Safe Animal Handling

Muzzle

Hood and Hobble

Tag and Collar

Ready for Release

Free!

Making Sure

coyotes are still

alive

23 Days in the life of Female -731 First Data from

Blackbeard’s Ranch

23 days of Activity

Future Research Directions

• Do other methods such as Guard Donkeys really work?

• Calf loss by coyotes is probably highest at birthing or soon after.

• Explore new methods, such as vaginal birthing inserts to track calving time and ascertain survival and all aspects of early calf loss.