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.
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.
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
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!