An observational study of scent-marking in coyotes, Canis latrans

摘要: Abstract Urination and defaecation patterns of free-ranging coyotes (Canis latrans) were studied in the Grand Teton National Park, Jackson, Wyoming, for two years. The vast majority urinations by adult males females involved ‘marking’, differentiating between ‘marking’ ‘elimination’ may not be necessary. Our results summarized as follows: (1) raised-leg (RLU) performed most frequently used marking. (2) Females marked throughout year using squat (SQU) posture. (3) Snow tracking reading snow sign resulted a gross underestimate relative frequency SQU's large overestimate defaecations (DEF) when compared to obtained direct observation. (4) There was sexual dimorphism contexts which marking occurred. Overall, associated with courtship mating, travelling, aggression. Marking acquisition possession food denning season. (5) rates per coyote increased groups larger than animals. (6) RLU greatest areas high intrusion non-group members infrequently tresscent odours are important orienting individuals space but do represent themselves barriers movement.