Coyote Scat (Canis latrans)
There are several clues to help you distinguish coyote scat from the scat of other canids (I.e. dogs). The scat (a.k.a. excrement, feces) of wild predators (i.e. animals that eat other animals) is typically filled with objects, such as bones, hair, seeds from fruit etc. In contrast, the scat of domestic dogs usually lacks inclusions because the food that dogs get is finely ground. Dog food doesn’t contain chips of bone, hair or seeds.

Coyote scat in winter often is full of hair. In this case it looks like deer hair, likely from feeding on deer killed by cars or hunting. Scats are approximately 1/2 inch wide and placed along trails and intersections of trails. Scats can also appear like twisted ropes.
To learn more about identifying scat purchase the Wildlife Damage Inspection Handbook, 3rd ed.
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