Two dead coyotes today on hwy 99W north of Corvallis

[Joel Geier]

I rarely see Coyotes as roadkill along Hwy 99W, but today one was on the shoulder just across from our house next to E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area, and then I saw another near Jackson-Frazier Wetland while on my way into town. Both were on the small side so perhaps yearlings.

I hope that this doesn't become a trend. But another thing I've noticed on recent walks is a lot of Coyote scat that seems to be nothing but apples. Last winter we had a vole "boom" but this year seems to be a "bust." So I'm wondering if Coyotes might be hard-pressed for food this winter, especially the young ones with less developed hunting skills, causing them to take greater risks in crossing the highway.

Joel

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Joel Geier

Tampico area north of Corvallis