Ever wondered what animals actually kill and eat coyotes? You’re definitely not the only one. Coyotes have to watch out for a surprising mix of predators, especially when they’re young or just caught off guard.
Animals like mountain lions, wolves, bears, and even big birds such as golden eagles and bald eagles hunt and eat coyotes. People hunt coyotes too, and natural diseases can thin their numbers as well.
Coyotes might be clever and super adaptable, but they don’t sit at the top of the food chain. Depending on where they live—deserts, forests, you name it—they run into predators that can take them down.
In swampy places, American alligators can snatch up coyotes. In grasslands or mountains, wolves and bears become real threats. Sometimes, even other coyotes will attack one another.
Coyotes play both hunter and hunted, which keeps nature’s balance in check. Curious about which predators go after coyotes and how they do it? Let’s dig in.
Main Predators That Kill and Eat Coyotes
Coyotes have to deal with some pretty tough predators. These animals either hunt coyotes for food or just to defend their turf.
Each predator has its own style, but they all pose real risks for coyotes.
Wolves and Canis lupus
Wolves, especially gray wolves (Canis lupus), hunt coyotes and are among their top threats. Wolves stick together in packs, and that teamwork makes it easy for them to chase down a lone coyote.
Wolves usually prefer hunting big animals like elk and deer. Still, if food runs low or coyotes start competing for space, wolves don’t hesitate to kill and eat coyotes.
Wolves roam forests, tundras, and grasslands—same places coyotes call home. Their size and pack mentality keep coyotes on edge whenever they’re around.
Mountain Lions, Cougars, and Puma concolor
Mountain lions—also called cougars or pumas (Puma concolor)—are big, powerful cats that often hunt coyotes. These cats live all over North and Central America, especially in rough, mountainous regions.
Mountain lions rely on stealth, sneaking up and ambushing coyotes. They usually attack from behind, aiming for the neck to finish things quickly.
Deer are their main food, but if a coyote crosses their path, they’ll eat it too. You’ll spot mountain lions in rocky canyons, forests, and deserts, often right where coyotes hang out.
Bears: American Black Bear and Grizzly Bear
Both American black bears (Ursus americanus) and grizzly bears can kill—and sometimes eat—coyotes. Bears don’t go out of their way to hunt coyotes, but if they’re hungry or a coyote wanders too close, they’ll attack.
Bears have massive strength and sharp claws, which help them take down prey or scavenge. Most of the time, they eat plants, berries, and bugs, but they won’t pass up a fresh coyote carcass or even a live one if it’s an easy catch.
You’ll mostly find black bears in forests, while grizzlies stick to open areas or mountains.
Alligators and Alligator mississippiensis
American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) threaten coyotes near water—think wetlands and swamps in the southeastern U.S. Alligators wait silently along the banks and strike fast when something comes close.
With their powerful jaws, alligators grab coyotes and pull them underwater. That infamous “death roll” is pretty much game over. Coyotes try to avoid these waters, but alligators still catch the unwary, especially younger or weaker coyotes.
Alligators are the ultimate ambush predators in their soggy homes.
Other Notable Coyote Eaters and Human Impacts
Coyotes have to look out for more than just big mammals. Birds and even humans can be threats, sometimes in ways you wouldn’t expect.
Birds of Prey: Golden Eagles and Aquila chrysaetos
Golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) are fierce hunters and one of the few birds big enough to take on even adult coyotes. They usually go after young or weak coyotes, but adults aren’t always safe.
These birds have a wingspan that can reach up to 7 feet. Their sharp talons and quick, powerful attacks mean they can kill quickly.
Golden eagles hunt in open places like deserts and mountains—exactly where coyotes like to roam. Besides hunting, they’ll scavenge dead coyotes if they find them.
Their keen eyesight lets them spot prey from way up high, making them a steady threat, especially to coyote pups.
Lynx, Bobcat, and Other Felids
Lynx and bobcats are smaller wild cats that sometimes cross paths with coyotes. They usually go after smaller animals, but if they find a young or injured coyote, they might attack.
Bobcats, in particular, are fast and sneaky hunters. These cats stick to forests and rough terrain, using surprise and speed to catch prey.
They don’t usually hunt adult coyotes, but fights can break out over food or territory. Other big cats, like mountain lions, are much bigger threats, but bobcats and lynx mostly target pups or sick coyotes.
Wolverines and Gulo gulo
Wolverines (Gulo gulo) are tough, aggressive animals that both scavenge and hunt. They might go after young or weak coyotes, but more often, they find and eat carcasses.
Wolverines use their powerful jaws and claws to tear into frozen or tough remains. They cover huge areas looking for food and sometimes compete with other predators over leftovers.
While they don’t hunt adult coyotes often, wolverines are always opportunistic. If they get a chance, they’ll eat coyotes too.
Humans and Direct Human Threats
Humans pose a huge threat to coyotes. People hunt, trap, and poison them every year.
Some folks go after coyotes for sport, while others want to protect their livestock.
Cars and urban sprawl create even more danger. Road accidents kill a lot of coyotes.
When humans build more, coyotes lose their habitats and end up bumping into people more often.
Humans almost never eat coyotes, though in rare cases, someone might use coyote meat for survival or tradition.
If you’re curious, you can check out more about predators like golden eagles and others at What Eats Coyotes: The Full List of Coyote Predators.
