Capture Locations of Coyotes, Canis latrans, Bobcats, Lynx rufus, and Raccoons, Procyon lotor, Relative to Home Range Boundaries

Abstract

Previous research showed that Coyotes (Canis latrans) and other canids might be more vulnerable to capture near the boundary or outside of their home ranges, making the capture of specific individuals within their territories difficult. Information concerning capture vulnerability relative to home range boundaries for other carnivores is lacking. During a four-year study of carnivore ecology in Kansas, we compared capture locations of Coyotes, Bobcats (Lynx rufus), and Raccoons (Procyon lotor) to their home range boundaries to determine if they were more likely to be captured inside, or near the periphery of, their home ranges. Resident Coyotes were captured disproportionately more often (P < 0.01) near the periphery of their home ranges, whereas Bobcats, Raccoons, and transient Coyotes were captured equally (P > 0.05) in both areas of their home ranges. Differences in capture vulnerability within and between species might be related to differences in social organization and behavior.