Home-range use by coyotes in Idaho

Radio-collared coyotes (Canis latrans) were relocated every 15 min during continuous 24-h sampling periods. The data were used to estimate patterns of home-range use by coyotes. Utilization of the the home range was found to vary spatially and behaviourally. Spatial use was determined by relative amounts of time coyotes spent and amounts of distance they travelled within each are of their home ranges. Behavioural use was based on identification of three types of movement patterns that werew postulated to represent three general kinds of behaviour: (1) resting behaviour, (2) hunting or investigative behavour, and (3) ranging or traveling behaviour. Spatial and behavioural uses of the home range area were found to be interrelated; core areas in which animals spent most of their time were also used primarily for resting or hunting. In areas in which animals spent little time, coyotes exhibited primarily ranging behaviour. Use patterns were postulated to be the result of coyotes' selection of areas due to unique vegetal, faunal, or physiogfaphic characteristics. Temporal variatrions in home-range use were found and were postulated to result from seasonal and diel changes in coyote behaviour due to the annual reproductive cycle, the seasonal and diel cycle of temperature, possible cycles in prey behaviour.