These photographs were taken by Trail Camera on a dried pond bed near Lewisville Lake. The pictures show Coyotes and Armadillos together but do not show them acting as predator and prey.

Armadillos were drawn to this pond bed because of the soft soil and easy digging it provided.  This guy was one of the first to show up.
Armadillos were drawn to this pond bed because of the soft soil and easy digging it provided. This guy was one of the first to show up.
He was soon followed by several more.  In some pictures there were as many as five Armadillos in front of the camera at one time.
He was soon followed by several more. In some pictures there were as many as five Armadillos in front of the camera at one time.
It was long afterwards that a pack of Coyotes showed up.
It was not long afterwards that a pack of Coyotes showed up.
On several occasions the camera recorded multiple Coyotes patrolling the pond bed.
On several occasions the camera recorded multiple Coyotes patrolling the pond bed.
Sometimes the Coyotes and Armadillos gathered together in front of the camera.  There are four Armadillos and one Coyote in this picture.
Sometimes the Coyotes and Armadillos gathered together in front of the camera. There are four Armadillos and one Coyote in this picture.
No instances of the Coyotes harassing the Armadillos were recorded.
No instances of the Coyotes harassing the Armadillos were recorded.
...But, this Armadillo does appear to have a large scar  on the rump end of his shell.  We can only speculate about the cause.
…But, this Armadillo does appear to have a large scar on the rump end of his shell. We can only speculate about the cause.

Wikipedia has this to say about Coyotes:

The coyote (US /kaɪˈoʊtiː/ or /ˈkaɪ.oʊt/, UK /kɔɪˈjoʊteɪ/, or /kɔɪˈjoʊt/; Canis latrans), also known as the American jackal, brush wolf, or the prairie wolf, is a species of canine found throughout North and Central America, ranging from Panama in the south, north through Mexico, the United States, and Canada. It occurs as far north as Alaska and all but the northernmost portions of Canada. The term is also used for the eastern coyote (Canis latrans var.), which contains not only C. latrans but also significant percentages of Canis lupus lycaon ancestry.

2 Replies to “Coyote – Prairie Wolves and Armadillos”

  1. Great captures! Fascinating to see the two species just going about their business right next to each other. ALso that scar is impressive.

    My friend, Charlotte, in L.A. has captured video of a coyote hanging out near a pair of skunks, and showing no interest in the skunks at all. The skunks, on the other hand, had a little bit of a rumble while the coyote just lay peacefully a few feet away. I believe she has also seen the coyote near feral cats, just ignoring them. Of course, what she is watching is not exactly a natural situation, as my friend’s elderly neighbor feeds all the wildlife, including the coyote! The interactions are taking place in her neighbor’s yard, where the food is provided. Still, interesting! Here is a link to my friend’s blog post with the video: http://charlottehildebrand.blogspot.com/2011/08/ferdinand-coyote.html

    1. Melissa,
      There is definitely something interesting going on here. In the past, I have recorded images of Coyotes preying on Armadillos. So, I know that dynamic does exist.

      Now, from my experiences with Armadillos, it is very possible that they are not even aware the Coyotes are there. Armadillos never have great situational awareness, and when they’re busy digging its even worse.

      The Coyotes CERTAINLY know the Armadillos are there though! Maybe they are just biding their time. Or maybe they recognize how difficult the Armadillos armor is to defeat, and they are on the look out for easier prey. I can think of many more scenarios…

      Your friend’s video is very special. I’m sure that the Coyote knows that skunks are not to be trifled with. Still, he seems very unconcerned! Two possibilities, right? He is either very finely attuned to the situation, and is confident they will not spray… or he is completely oblivious! I wonder which!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.