HOME RANGE, MOVEMENTS, AND HABITAT USE OF COYOTES IN SOUTH-CENTRAL GEORGIA

Most previous studies of coyotes (Canis latrans) have been conducted in western North America, and inferences about their ecology probably are not relevant to the southeastern U.S. Consequently, we radiotracked 12 coyotes from September 1987 through December 1988 to study movement and habitat use in southcentral Georgia. Home ranges averaged 12.4, and 10.1 km2 for the 95% harmonic contour and 95% minimum convex polygon methods, respectively. Home range size was smallest during the gestation season. Nocturnal movement rates were greater (P = 0.0001) than diurnal rates. Both diurnal and nocturnal movement rates were greater (P < 0.02) for adults than juveniles, but were not different (P > 0.2) between the sexes. There was an interaction (P < 0.04) between age and meteorologic season for diurnal and nocturnal movement rates. Adults had greater movement rates during the warm season, whereas juveniles had greater movement rates during the cool season. Home ranges contained proportionately more (P < 0.04) open areas than were available in the study areas. Coyotes did not select specific habitats during the day, but at night preferred (P = 0.09) brushy areas and young pine plantations. There was greater (P = 0.03) use of mature pine plantations during warm versus cool seasons. Adults used old fields more (P = 0.09) than juveniles and mature pine plantations less (P = 0.06) than juveniles. Relatively few transient coyotes in this population suggests that local control might be an effective management technique.