Space and habitat use by resident and transient coyotes

We radio-tracked 10 coyotes (Canis latrans) from April 1996 to March 1998 on Fort Riley Military Reservation, Kansas, to compare movements, habitat use, and survival between resident (breeders and pack associates) and transient coyotes. Home ranges of resident coyotes were mutually exclusive, whereas those of transient coyotes overlapped the home ranges of other coyotes. Excursions from home ranges were made by all resident pack associates but not by resident breeders. Grassland habitats were used more than expected by resident coyotes but less than expected by transients. Woodlands and cultivated lands were used more than expected by transients. Transient coyotes used areas between the home ranges of resident family groups. Annual survival rates were higher for resident than for transient coyotes. Avoidance of resident coyotes by transient coyotes may explain differences in space and habitat use by coyotes.