Effects of Sarcoptic Mange on Coyotes at Wind Cave National Park

Home‐range size and population abundance indices of coyotes ( Canis latrans ) have not been documented in Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota, USA. In 2003 and 2004, we captured a total of 26 coyotes and radiocollared 22 adults (12 F, 10 M). In 2003 and 2004, 2 of 17 (12%) and 5 of 9 (56%) coyotes, respectively, were infected with sarcoptic mange ( Sarcoptes scabiei ) at the time of capture. Thus, objectives were modified to document effects of the mange epizootic on the coyote population. In 2003, home‐range (adaptive‐kernel) sizes for male coyotes with mange and those considered healthy were 8.26 ± 1.63 (SE) km 2 and 9.67 ± 2.80 km 2 , respectively. In 2004, home‐range sizes for those male coyotes with and without mange were 22.69 ± 9.06 km 2 and 12.51 ± 2.73 km 2 , respectively. Male home‐range size did not differ between years ( P = 0.14) or by status (with or without mange; P = 0.84). Survival of collared coyotes was 60% at the end of 2003. Results from fecal line transects, an index of relative abundance, indicated that the coyote population decreased by 48% from 2003 to 2004. Continued monitoring of sarcoptic mange epizootics will enable managers to assess the effects of mange on coyote populations.