Ask The Biologist

Coyotes and other predators aren’t as selective as you might think.

QUESTION: While shed hunting this winter, I came upon the remains of a large buck that looked like it had been taken down by coyotes. I thought predators only take out the sick and weak deer. This deer looked like it was healthy before they killed it.

ANSWER: Coyotes, like any predator, are opportunists and will take whatever prey provides an opportunity. Obviously, sick and weak individuals are easy prey, and weeding them out makes the herd stronger. However, predators also pursue healthy prey when given the chance. It’s also possible the buck you found was ill, suffered an injury from fighting or being wounded and not recovered, or was depleted by the rut.

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