What Do Coyotes Eat?

By Staff WriterLast Updated April 11, 2020

Coyotes are omnivores that mainly eat small mammals, including rabbits, squirrels and mice. They adapt well to the food that is available in a particular region, which is one reason they survive well in diverse places, including suburban areas.

Coyotes vary their diets based on what is available. Though they mostly eat small mammals, they also eat birds, snakes and even large insects. They eat carrion but tend to prefer fresh meat. In the colder months, their diets include a larger proportion of fruits and vegetables. They also team up with other coyotes to hunt larger prey, such as deer. Coyotes that live near populated areas eat human trash and sometimes hunt household pets and small farm animals.