Winter habitat selection by lynx and coyotes in relation to snowshoe hare abundance

Abstract

We examined the relationship between winter habitat selection among lynx (Lynx canadensis) and coyotes (Canis latrans) and relative snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) abundance by tracking in snow during three winters. Hare numbers were higher in dense spruce (Picea glauca) than in other habitats in 1987–1988, and both predator species selected that habitat in that year. In 1988–1989, hare distribution was similar among habitats, and both predators used spruce habitats relative to their availability. In 1989–1990, hare numbers were also similar among habitats, and lynx used spruce habitats according to availability, whereas coyotes selected dense spruce. Hares were the main prey of both species, and the distribution of hares chased and killed by lynx was similar to that predicted by habitat use. Lynx hunting success was also similar among habitats. In comparison, coyotes chased and killed more hares than expected and had higher hunting success in dense spruce. Snow was shallower and harder in all spruce habitats used by coyotes than in those travelled by lynx. This suggests that coyotes were more selective of snow conditions than lynx, probably as a result of their high foot-load (ratio of body mass to foot area) relative to that of hares. Coyotes scavenged more often than lynx, but neither species seemed to select habitats on the basis of carcass availability. We concluded that high hare densities influenced selection of dense spruce by both species in 1987–1988, and that coyotes may also have chosen habitats on the basis of hunting success and snow conditions.