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Eric M. Gese - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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space use and social ecology of Coyotes canis latrans in a high elevation ecosystem relative stability in a changing environment
Journal of Ethology, 2017Co-Authors: Suzanne J Gifford, Eric M. Gese, Robert R ParmenterAbstract:Coyote (Canis latrans) spatial and social ecology are variable, but have been little studied in high-elevation environments. In these temperate ecosystems, large ungulates are prevalent and Coyote pack size may be large in order for them to scavenge and defend ungulate carcasses from conspecifics in neighboring packs. We initiated a study to understand the spatial and social ecology of Coyotes on the Valles Caldera National Preserve, a high-elevation (2450–3400 m) protected area in northern New Mexico. Our objectives were to (1) describe the home range size and habitat use of Coyotes in the preserve, (2) describe Coyote movements within and outside of packs, and (3) to evaluate the relationship between Coyote social cohesion and the amount of elk (Cervus elaphus) in the Coyote diet. We acquired global positioning system and telemetry locations from 33 Coyotes from August 2005 to July 2009. We classified 23 Coyotes (70 % of individuals) as residents (i.e., territorial) during at least part of the study and ten Coyotes (30 %) as transients. Overall mean home range size of resident packs was 10.6 ± 2.2 (SD) km2. Home range size varied between packs, but did not vary by season or year. Coyotes used dry and wet meadow habitats as expected based on availability; Coyotes used riparian habitat more than expected, and forests less than expected. Social cohesion did not vary among biological seasons. Alpha Coyotes were more socially cohesive with each other than with other pack members, and a transient exhibited temporal–spatial avoidance of pack members while inside the pack’s territory followed by integration into the pack. Contrary to expectations, we found no relationship between Coyote social cohesion and the proportion of elk in Coyote diets. We concluded that Coyote space use and sociality on the preserve were relatively stable year-round despite changes in biological needs, snow depth, and utilization of variously sized prey.
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the influence of snowmobile trails on Coyote movements during winter in high elevation landscapes
PLOS ONE, 2013Co-Authors: Eric M. Gese, Jennifer L B Dowd, Lise M AubryAbstract:Competition between sympatric carnivores has long been of interest to ecologists. Increased understanding of these interactions can be useful for conservation planning. Increased snowmobile traffic on public lands and in habitats used by Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) remains controversial due to the concern of Coyote (Canis latrans) use of snowmobile trails and potential competition with lynx. Determining the variables influencing Coyote use of snowmobile trails has been a priority for managers attempting to conserve lynx and their critical habitat. During 2 winters in northwest Wyoming, we backtracked Coyotes for 265 km to determine how varying snow characteristics influenced Coyote movements; 278 km of random backtracking was conducted simultaneously for comparison. Despite deep snow (>1 m deep), radio-collared Coyotes persisted at high elevations (>2,500 m) year-round. All Coyotes used snowmobile trails for some portion of their travel. Coyotes used snowmobile trails for 35% of their travel distance (random: 13%) for a mean distance of 149 m (random: 59 m). Coyote use of snowmobile trails increased as snow depth and penetrability off trails increased. Essentially, snow characteristics were most influential on how much time Coyotes spent on snowmobile trails. In the early months of winter, snow depth was low, yet the snow column remained dry and the Coyotes traveled off trails. As winter progressed and snow depth increased and snow penetrability increased, Coyotes spent more travel distance on snowmobile trails. As spring approached, the snow depth remained high but penetrability decreased, hence Coyotes traveled less on snowmobile trails because the snow column off trail was more supportive. Additionally, Coyotes traveled closer to snowmobile trails than randomly expected and selected shallower snow when traveling off trails. Coyotes also preferred using snowmobile trails to access ungulate kills. Snow compaction from winter recreation influenced Coyote movements within an area containing lynx and designated lynx habitat.
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Territory fidelity, space use, and survival rates of wild Coyotes following surgical sterilization
Journal of Ethology, 2012Co-Authors: Renee G. Seidler, Eric M. GeseAbstract:Sterilization of wild canids is being used experimentally in many management applications. Few studies have clearly demonstrated vasectomized and tubal-ligated canids will retain pair-bonding and territorial behaviors. We tested whether territory fidelity, space use, and survival rates of surgically sterilized Coyote ( Canis latrans ) packs were different from sham-operated Coyote packs. We captured and radio-collared 30 Coyotes in December 2006. Sixteen of these animals were sterilized via vasectomy or tubal ligation, and 14 were given sham-surgeries (i.e., remained intact). We monitored these animals using telemetry and visual observations through 2 breeding seasons and 1 pup-rearing season from December 2006 to March 2008. Mean pack size was not significantly different between sterile and intact Coyote packs. We found no difference in home range size between sterile and intact Coyotes. We found differences in home range and core area overlap between sterile and intact Coyote packs in some seasons; however, this difference may have existed prior to sterilization. Home range fidelity was not significantly different between sterile and intact Coyotes. All Coyotes had higher residency rates during the breeding season, with no differences between sterile and intact Coyotes. Survival rates were correlated with biological season, but there were no differences in survival rates between sterile and intact Coyotes. We concluded that surgical sterilization of Coyotes did not affect territory fidelity, survival rates, or home range maintenance.
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Territory fidelity, space use, and survival rates of wild Coyotes following surgical sterilization
Journal of Ethology, 2012Co-Authors: Renee G. Seidler, Eric M. GeseAbstract:Sterilization of wild canids is being used experimentally in many management applications. Few studies have clearly demonstrated vasectomized and tubal-ligated canids will retain pair-bonding and territorial behaviors. We tested whether territory fidelity, space use, and survival rates of surgically sterilized Coyote (Canis latrans) packs were different from sham-operated Coyote packs. We captured and radio-collared 30 Coyotes in December 2006. Sixteen of these animals were sterilized via vasectomy or tubal ligation, and 14 were given sham-surgeries (i. e., remained intact). We monitored these animals using telemetry and visual observations through 2 breeding seasons and 1 pup-rearing season from December 2006 to March 2008. Mean pack size was not significantly different between sterile and intact Coyote packs. We found no difference in home range size between sterile and intact Coyotes. We found differences in home range and core area overlap between sterile and intact Coyote packs in some seasons; however, this difference may have existed prior to sterilization. Home range fidelity was not significantly different between sterile and intact Coyotes. All Coyotes had higher residency rates during the breeding season, with no differences between sterile and intact Coyotes. Survival rates were correlated with biological season, but there were no differences in survival rates between sterile and intact Coyotes. We concluded that surgical sterilization of Coyotes did not affect territory fidelity, survival rates, or home range maintenance. © 2012 Japan Ethological Society and Springer.
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INDIRECT EFFECTS AND TRADITIONAL TROPHIC CASCADES: A TEST INVOLVING WOLVES, CoyoteS, AND PRONGHORN
Ecology, 2008Co-Authors: Kim Murray Berger, Eric M. Gese, Joel BergerAbstract:The traditional trophic cascades model is based on consumer-resource interactions at each link in a food chain. However, trophic-level interactions, such as mesocarnivore release resulting from intraguild predation, may also be important mediators of cascades. From September 2001 to August 2004, we used spatial and seasonal heterogeneity in wolf distribution and abundance in the southern Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem to evaluate whether mesopredator release of Coyotes (Canis latrans), resulting from the extirpation of wolves (Canis lupus), accounts for high rates of Coyote predation on pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) fawns observed in some areas. Results of this ecological perturbation in wolf densities, Coyote densities, and pronghorn neonatal survival at wolf-free and wolf-abundant sites support the existence of a species-level trophic cascade. That wolves precipitated a trophic cascade was evidenced by fawn survival rates that were four-fold higher at sites used by wolves. A negative correlation between Coyote and wolf densities supports the hypothesis that interspecific interactions between the two species facilitated the difference in fawn survival. Whereas densities of resident Coyotes were similar between wolf-free and wolf-abundant sites, the abundance of transient Coyotes was significantly lower in areas used by wolves. Thus, differential effects of wolves on solitary Coyotes may be an important mechanism by which wolves limit Coyote densities. Our results support the hypothesis that mesopredator release of Coyotes contributes to high rates of Coyote predation on pronghorn fawns, and demonstrate the importance of alternative food web pathways in structuring the dynamics of terrestrial systems.
Shelley M. Alexander - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Human-Coyote (Canis latrans) interaction in Canadian urban parks and green space: Preliminary findings from a media-content analysis
2020Co-Authors: Shelley M. Alexander, Michael S. QuinnAbstract:The Coyote (Canis latrans) is a highly adaptable apex carnivore that provides a critical ecological function in urban ecosystems. Habituation of Coyotes results in behavioural changes which can lead to human-wildlife conflict. Understanding human awareness, values and attitudes towards Coyotes, and the potential for human-Coyote conflict, is essential to managing for effective ecological function of urban protected areas. A highly charged debate over Coyotes and urban park management often...
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Coyote canis latrans interactions with humans and pets reported in the canadian print media 1995 2010
Human Dimensions of Wildlife, 2011Co-Authors: Shelley M. Alexander, Michael S. QuinnAbstract:Interactions with Coyotes are a growing management concern in urban North America. We conducted a content analysis of 453 articles addressing Coyote events reported in the Canadian print media between 1995 and 2010. There were 119 articles about human–Coyote interactions: 32 involved a Coyote biting (26) or attempting to bite (6) a person. The first record of a Coyote-caused human mortality in Canada occurred in 2009. Ninety-one incidents involved dogs, including 38 cases of Coyote-caused dog mortality, of which 34 were small dogs. Eighteen small dogs were attacked in yards and eight attacks were preempted if a person intervened. Dogs were off leash in 92.3% of encounters; larger dogs were most frequently attacked while chasing Coyotes. There were 32 reports of attacks on cats, and all were fatal. Avoiding food conditioning of Coyotes, educating the public, and managing human behavior are discussed as means to facilitate coexistence with urban Coyotes.
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human Coyote interactions in calgary alberta
Human Dimensions of Wildlife, 2011Co-Authors: Victoria M Lukasik, Shelley M. AlexanderAbstract:Urban Coyotes have been studied in few Canadian cities, despite the apparent increase in negative human–Coyote incidents. Our study was designed to develop a baseline understanding of the magnitude, severity, seasonality, and spatial distribution of these incidents in Calgary. We used citizen reports of human–Coyote incidents, collected by the City of Calgary between 2005 and 2008. Reports were categorized into five levels from sightings to conflict. Conflict was most common during Pup-Rearing season and most often reported in central, higher-density communities in close proximity to small greenspaces. Incident levels were examined for seasonal trends and spatial patterns. Most incidents were sightings (89%); only 5% were conflicts. The presence of anthropogenic food conditioning likely predisposed Coyotes to conflict, and in support we briefly discuss our complementary diet analysis. Our findings fill a gap in knowledge that is critical for monitoring and managing urban Coyotes and human–Coyote conflicts...
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Human–Coyote Interactions in Calgary, Alberta
Human Dimensions of Wildlife, 2011Co-Authors: Victoria M Lukasik, Shelley M. AlexanderAbstract:Urban Coyotes have been studied in few Canadian cities, despite the apparent increase in negative human–Coyote incidents. Our study was designed to develop a baseline understanding of the magnitude, severity, seasonality, and spatial distribution of these incidents in Calgary. We used citizen reports of human–Coyote incidents, collected by the City of Calgary between 2005 and 2008. Reports were categorized into five levels from sightings to conflict. Conflict was most common during Pup-Rearing season and most often reported in central, higher-density communities in close proximity to small greenspaces. Incident levels were examined for seasonal trends and spatial patterns. Most incidents were sightings (89%); only 5% were conflicts. The presence of anthropogenic food conditioning likely predisposed Coyotes to conflict, and in support we briefly discuss our complementary diet analysis. Our findings fill a gap in knowledge that is critical for monitoring and managing urban Coyotes and human–Coyote conflicts...
Michael J Chamberlain - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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home range size vegetation density and season influences prey use by Coyotes canis latrans
PLOS ONE, 2018Co-Authors: Jennifer N Ward, Joseph W Hinton, Karl V. Miller, Kristina L Johannsen, Melissa Karlin, Michael J ChamberlainAbstract:To ensure reproductive success, Canis species establish contiguous mosaics of territories in suitable habitats to partition space and defend limiting resources. Consequently, Canis species can exert strong effects on prey populations locally because of their year-round maintenance of territories. We assessed prey use by Coyotes (Canis latrans) by sampling scats from within known territories in southeastern Alabama and the Savannah River area of Georgia and South Carolina. We accounted for the size and habitat composition of Coyote home ranges to investigate the influence of space use, vegetation density, and habitat type on Coyote diets. Coyote use of prey was influenced by a combination of mean monthly temperature, home range size, vegetation density, and hardwood forests. For example, Coyote use of adult white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) was associated with cooler months and smaller home ranges, whereas use of rabbits (Sylvilagus spp.) was associated with cooler months, larger home ranges, and less vegetation density. Coyotes in our study relied primarily on nutritionally superior mammalian prey and supplemented their diet with fruit when available, as their use of mammalian prey did not appreciably decrease with increasing use of fruit. We suggest that differential use of prey by Coyotes is influenced by habitat heterogeneity within their home ranges, and prey-switching behaviors may stabilize local interactions between Coyotes and their food resources to permit stable year-round territories. Given that habitat composition affects Coyote prey use, future studies should also incorporate effects of habitat composition on Coyote distribution and abundance to further identify Coyote influences on prey communities.
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space use and habitat selection by resident and transient Coyotes canis latrans
PLOS ONE, 2015Co-Authors: Joseph W Hinton, Frank T Van Manen, Michael J ChamberlainAbstract:Little information exists on Coyote (Canis latrans) space use and habitat selection in the southeastern United States and most studies conducted in the Southeast have been carried out within small study areas (e.g., ≤1,000 km2). Therefore, studying the placement, size, and habitat composition of Coyote home ranges over broad geographic areas could provide relevant insights regarding how Coyote populations adjust to regionally varying ecological conditions. Despite an increasing number of studies of Coyote ecology, few studies have assessed the role of transiency as a life-history strategy among Coyotes. During 2009–2011, we used GPS radio-telemetry to study Coyote space use and habitat selection on the Albemarle Peninsula of northeastern North Carolina. We quantified space use and 2nd- and 3rd-order habitat selection for resident and transient Coyotes to describe space use patterns in a predominantly agricultural landscape. The upper limit of Coyote home-range size was approximately 47 km2 and Coyotes exhibiting shifting patterns of space use of areas >65 km2 were transients. Transients exhibited localized space use patterns for short durations prior to establishing home ranges, which we defined as “biding” areas. Resident and transient Coyotes demonstrated similar habitat selection, notably selection of agricultural over forested habitats. However, transients exhibited stronger selection for roads than resident Coyotes. Although transient Coyotes are less likely to contribute reproductively to their population, transiency may be an important life history trait that facilitates metapopulation dynamics through dispersal and the eventual replacement of breeding residents lost to mortality.
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overlap in space use among bobcats lynx rufus Coyotes canis latrans and gray foxes urocyon cinereoargenteus
American Midland Naturalist, 2005Co-Authors: Michael J Chamberlain, Bruce D LeopoldAbstract:Abstract Sympatry among bobcats (Lynx rufus), Coyotes (Canis latrans) and gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) is relatively recent in the southeastern United States given recent expansion of Coyote range. Interspecific relationships among canids and felids have been documented in northern latitudes. However, interactions among these three species at southern latitudes are poorly understood. We examined overlap in space use of sympatric bobcats (n = 47), Coyotes (n = 37) and gray foxes (n = 27) in central Mississippi during 1993–1997. Home ranges of all three species overlapped extensively. However, gray foxes maintained core use areas that did not overlap substantially with those of bobcats and Coyotes. Home range and core area overlap were similar across seasons among all species. Our findings indicate that these three species readily share space, but gray foxes apparently maintain core areas in areas void of concentrated bobcat and Coyote use.
Karl V. Miller - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Can Coyotes Affect Deer Populations in
2020Co-Authors: John C. Kilgo, Charles Ruth, Karl V. Miller, Daniel B. WarnellAbstract:The Coyote (Canis latrans) is a recent addition to the fauna of eastern North America, and in many areas Coyote populations have been established for only a decade or two. Although Coyotes are known predators of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in their historic range, effects this new predator may have on eastern deer populations have received little attention. We speculated that in the southeastern United States, Coyotes may be affecting deer recruitment, and we present 5 lines of evidence that suggest this possibility. First, the statewide deer population in South Carolina has declined coincident with the establishment and increase in the Coyote population. Second, data sets from the Savannah River Site (SRS) in South Carolina indicate a new mortality source affecting the deer population concurrent with the increase in Coyotes. Third, an index of deer recruitment at SRS declined during the period of increase in Coyotes. Fourth, food habits data from SRS indicate that fawns are an important food item for Coyotes during summer. Finally, recent research from Alabama documented significant Coyote predation on fawns there. Although this evidence does not establish cause and effect between Coyotes and observed declines in deer recruitment, we argue that additional research should proactively address this topic in the region. We identified several important questions on the nature of the deer-Coyote relationship in the East.
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geographic patterns in morphometric and genetic variation for Coyote populations with emphasis on southeastern Coyotes
Ecology and Evolution, 2019Co-Authors: Joseph W Hinton, John C. Kilgo, Karl V. Miller, Melissa Karlin, Elizabeth Heppenheimer, Kyla M West, Danny Caudill, John Joseph Mayer, Margaret Walch, Bridgett M VonholdtAbstract:Prior to 1900, Coyotes (Canis latrans) were restricted to the western and central regions of North America, but by the early 2000s, Coyotes became ubiquitous throughout the eastern United States. Information regarding morphological and genetic structure of Coyote populations in the southeastern United States is limited, and where data exist, they are rarely compared to those from other regions of North America. We assessed geographic patterns in morphology and genetics of Coyotes with special consideration of Coyotes in the southeastern United States. Mean body mass of Coyote populations increased along a west‐to‐east gradient, with southeastern Coyotes being intermediate to western and northeastern Coyotes. Similarly, principal component analysis of body mass and linear body measurements suggested that southeastern Coyotes were intermediate to western and northeastern Coyotes in body size but exhibited shorter tails and ears from other populations. Genetic analyses indicated that southeastern Coyotes represented a distinct genetic cluster that differentiated strongly from western and northeastern Coyotes. We postulate that southeastern Coyotes experienced lower immigration from western populations than did northeastern Coyotes, and over time, genetically diverged from both western and northeastern populations. Coyotes colonizing eastern North America experienced different selective pressures than did stable populations in the core range, and we offer that the larger body size of eastern Coyotes reflects an adaptation that improved dispersal capabilities of individuals in the expanding range.
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home range size vegetation density and season influences prey use by Coyotes canis latrans
PLOS ONE, 2018Co-Authors: Jennifer N Ward, Joseph W Hinton, Karl V. Miller, Kristina L Johannsen, Melissa Karlin, Michael J ChamberlainAbstract:To ensure reproductive success, Canis species establish contiguous mosaics of territories in suitable habitats to partition space and defend limiting resources. Consequently, Canis species can exert strong effects on prey populations locally because of their year-round maintenance of territories. We assessed prey use by Coyotes (Canis latrans) by sampling scats from within known territories in southeastern Alabama and the Savannah River area of Georgia and South Carolina. We accounted for the size and habitat composition of Coyote home ranges to investigate the influence of space use, vegetation density, and habitat type on Coyote diets. Coyote use of prey was influenced by a combination of mean monthly temperature, home range size, vegetation density, and hardwood forests. For example, Coyote use of adult white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) was associated with cooler months and smaller home ranges, whereas use of rabbits (Sylvilagus spp.) was associated with cooler months, larger home ranges, and less vegetation density. Coyotes in our study relied primarily on nutritionally superior mammalian prey and supplemented their diet with fruit when available, as their use of mammalian prey did not appreciably decrease with increasing use of fruit. We suggest that differential use of prey by Coyotes is influenced by habitat heterogeneity within their home ranges, and prey-switching behaviors may stabilize local interactions between Coyotes and their food resources to permit stable year-round territories. Given that habitat composition affects Coyote prey use, future studies should also incorporate effects of habitat composition on Coyote distribution and abundance to further identify Coyote influences on prey communities.
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white tailed deer fawn recruitment before and after experimental Coyote removals in central georgia
Wildlife Society Bulletin, 2015Co-Authors: William D Gulsby, Charlie H Killmaster, John W Bowers, James D Kelly, Benjamin N Sacks, Mark J Statham, Karl V. MillerAbstract:Recent evidence from across the southeastern United States indicating high predation rates by Coyotes (Canis latrans) on white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) fawns has led some managers to implement Coyote control. Although some evidence suggests Coyote control can improve recruitment, success appears to be site dependent. Therefore, we designed an experiment to assess feasibility of Coyote control as a management action to increase recruitment on B.F. Grant and Cedar Creek Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) in central Georgia, USA. We estimated annual Coyote abundance during 2010–2012 using a noninvasive mark–recapture design and fawn recruitment using infrared-triggered camera surveys. During March–June 2011 and March–April 2012, trappers removed Coyotes from both sites. Estimates of Coyote abundance on B.F. Grant WMA after trapping were 81% (2011) and 24% (2012) lower than during preremoval. Coyote abundance estimates were similar among years on Cedar Creek WMA. Fawn recruitment on B.F. Grant WMA averaged 0.65 fawns/adult female prior to removal and 1.01 fawns/adult female during the 2 years following the removals. Fawn recruitment on Cedar Creek WMA did not differ among years during the study, and was similar to that prior to Coyote arrival. The differential Coyote impacts and variable effectiveness of trapping we observed on nearby sites suggest Coyote control may not achieve management objectives in some areas. Furthermore, transient behavior and the potential for Coyotes to adapt to control efforts likely reduce efficacy of this management action. However, we observed an increase in recruitment on B.F. Grant WMA during one year, and others have seen similar responses. Therefore if lowered fawn recruitment is hindering achievement of management objectives, we recommend managers who opt to control Coyotes continuously monitor recruitment to determine whether a response occurs. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Barbara L Lundrigan - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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endocranial development in the Coyote canis latrans and gray wolf canis lupus a computed tomographic study
Brain Behavior and Evolution, 2018Co-Authors: Sharleen T Sakai, Blake Whitt, Bradley M Arsznov, Barbara L LundriganAbstract:The purpose of this study was to examine the pattern of postnatal brain growth in two wild canid species: the Coyote (Canis latrans) and gray wolf (Canis lupus). Adult regional and total brain volume differences were also compared between the two species as well as within each species by sex. Three-dimensional virtual endocasts of endocranial airspace were created from computed tomography scans of 52 Coyote skulls (28 female, 24 male; 1 day to 13.4 years) and 46 gray wolf skulls (25 female, 21 male; 1 day to 7.9 years). Age was known in Coyotes or estimated from dentition patterns in wolves. The 95% asymptotic growth of the endocranium is completed by 21 weeks in male and 17.5 weeks in female Coyotes and by 27 weeks in male and 18.5 weeks in female wolves. These ages are well before age at first reproduction (Coyote - 40.4 weeks; wolf - 91.25 weeks). Skull growth as measured by centroid size lags behind endocranial growth but is also completed before sexual maturity. Intra- and interspecific comparisons of brain volumes in the adult wolves and Coyotes revealed that relative anterior cerebrum (AC) volume was greater in males than females in both species. Relative brain size was greater in the Coyote than in the wolf as was relative cerebrum volume. However, relative AC volume and relative cerebellum and brainstem volume was greater in the wolf than Coyote. One explanation for the increased AC volume in males compared to females may be related to the role of social information processing. However, additional data are needed to determine the correspondence between regional volumes and functional differences either between or within these species. Nonetheless, these findings provide important baseline data for further studies on wild canid brain variations and development.
