Proceedings of the Vertebrate Pest Conference

Coyote depredation is estimated to cause in excess of $11 million in damage annually to the national livestock industry. Numerous studies suggest coyotes forage optimally. Yet, not all coyotes kill prey with high nutritional benefit to cost ratios (e.g., livestock) when given the opportunity. This suggests that there are other means by which coyotes select prey items. Little research has been conducted to determine the mechanisms driving the selection of particular food items. Previous experience with certain tastes or flavors may play a part in the subsequent selection of prey items. Dietary preferences can be formed in young animals through exposure to chemical cues in utero, in milk, and at weaning. Studies on captive animals are useful in evaluating the importance of exposure to chemical cues on the formation of dietary preferences in adult coyotes. A review of relevant literature is given and management implications are discussed.