At Bridle Trails State Park, we have two large predators that live in the park and are spotted regularly: coyotes and bobcats. Although they are considered large predators, humans need not fear them. These animals are native to these lands and were here long before us. It is up to humans to educate ourselves more about these creatures so that we can peacefully cohabitate with them. These predators are not dangerous to humans (but are dangerous to small pets) and should not be hurt by humans on state land.
What is a predator?
Predation is when one organism, the predator, kills and eats another organism, the prey. Predators do not just include animals; many predators are plants and insects. In addition, not all predators are carnivores (can be omnivores), though all or most carnivores are predators. Coyotes are considered by many to be carnivorous but are in fact omnivores, with about 10% of their diet coming from plants, seeds, and fruit.
Predators have helpful adaptations that help them hunt such as eyes that face forward, the ability to hear underground, run fast, etc. Prey also have adaptations that help them avoid being caught such as eyes on the sides of their head, camouflage, and quick reflexes.
Every role is important to habitat health. In untouched predator-prey relationships, there are natural rises and falls in the population size of all species. Generally speaking, as predator numbers increase, prey numbers decrease and plant numbers increase; likewise, when those prey numbers decrease to a certain level, predator levels decrease as well, and plant numbers increase. As the predator levels decrease, prey levels increase and the cycle begins again.
What types of predator-prey relationships can you think of?
Coyotes
Coyotes are nocturnal natives to the pacific northwest and have adapted well to life in urban and suburban areas. They are opportunistic hunters and scavengers and are therefore not picky eaters. Their diet can include squirrels, mice, house cats, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, birds, grasses, and fruits, as well as human trash and pet food.
While coyotes are shy creatures, they are curious and protective. It is important that humans do not feed wildlife in any circumstance (besides small birds), and especially so in the case of predators – the only cases of aggression from coyotes in Washington was after humans fed them.
Coyotes are often seen out during the daytime in the park. Other canid species native to Washington State include grey wolves and red foxes.
Listen to the sound of a coyote here.
Bobcats
Bobcats are elusive, nocturnal natives to the pacific northwest and have also adapted well to life in urban and suburban areas. They are about twice the size of a house cat, have a short “bobbed” tail, and are the most abundant wildcat in the U.S. Bobcats are carnivores but are not very picky and usually eat mice, rabbits, squirrels, and other small creatures such as carrion and insects with most of their diet (in Washington) consisting of mountain beaver (aplodontia).
Bobcats are very good climbers and swimmers and sometimes surprise deer from above. While rural bobcats can be seen sometimes during the day, urban and suburban bobcats are more strictly nocturnal. Coyotes are more likely to take an opportunity to grab domesticated animals, but trash and fallen bird seed will attract rodents which will in turn attract bobcats to your yard.
Compared to lynx, bobcats have black and white bands on their tails, shorter legs, and shorter tufts of hair on the tips of their ears. Other cat species in Washington include cougar and Canadian lynx.
Coyote and Bobcat Tracks
Coyote tracks will generally be forward facing with one lobe in the front of the pad and two in the back. Nails are not retractable and will therefore show on the track.
Bobcat tracks will be more rounded in shape with two lobes in the front and three in the back, with no nail prints.
More information:
To learn more about the Seattle Urban Carnivore Project, visit the Woodland Park Zoo website.
Check out the National Geographic webpages to learn more about coyotes and bobcats.
Check out this video of a bobcat caught on a wildlife camera in Washington.
Check out this video of compiled photos of coyotes in Washington.
For more information on predation, visit this Nature Education Knowledge Project article.
For more animal sounds, visit this website.
Bridle Trails State Park mammals overview and list of species.
Photo credits: CK-12 Foundation, VJAnderson (Wikipedia Commons), WDFW.