Prey selection and habitat partitioning in sympatric coyote and red fox populations, southwest Yukon

Abstract

Sympatric coyotes (Canis latrans) and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in the southwest Yukon, studied across the peak of a snow-shoe hare (Lepus americanus) cycle, differed little from one another in prey selection, and both were heavily dependent on snowshoe hares. After the hare crash, however, foxes turned more to alternative prey than did coyotes. Foxes and coyotes differed in their selection of habitat patches and use of edge. Coyotes exploited edges, where hares were most abundant, and open communities, whereas foxes showed no significant use of edge and used brushy communities. The coexistence of red foxes and coyotes in the southwest Yukon may be facilitated by balancing competitive abilities: foxes persist because of elasticity in their choice of prey and coyotes persist by dominating edges.