PREY USE STRATEGIES OF SYMPATRIC WOLVES AND COYOTES IN RIDING-MOUNTAIN-NATIONAL-PARK, MANITOBA

Allopatric distribution of wolves (Canis lupus) and coyotes (C. latrans) in some areas of North America can be explained by competitive exclusion of coyotes by wolves. However, in Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba, the potential for competition between the two species was minimized by differential use of nonlimiting food resources. Wolves primarily preyed on elk (Cervus elaphus) and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), and secondarily on moose (Alces alces). Coyotes preyed on deer and rarely, young elk. Although wolves occasionally killed coyotes, coyotes followed wolves and scavenged at their kills. The benefits accrued from scavenging apparently compensated for the associated risk of being killed by wolves.