PREDISPERSAL MOVEMENTS OF COYOTE (CANIS-LATRANS) PUPS IN EASTERN MAINE

We documented the progression of movements from den and rendezvous sites, and the monthly changes in predispersal movement rates and home-range areas for coyote (Canis latrans) pups in eastern Maine during 1981-1984. Pups began to move short distances from dens at 6-8 weeks of age. The radius and rate of pup movements increased linearly with age. Large increases from September to October in sizes of home ranges and movement rates of pups were associated with the disbanding of the family group and onset of dispersal. Home-range areas and movement rates of late-dispersing juveniles were similar to those of their parents, and likely resulted from interfamily territoriality. Exploratory movements outside of the natal home range were uncommon before dispersal. Further, no sex-specific differences in predispersal-movement patterns were observed. Recent data refuting the hypothesis of sex-specific dispersal in coyotes are consistent with the predispersal-movement patterns presented herein.