Black bears are known to be opportunistic eaters, and their diet can vary greatly depending on what is available to them. In some areas, black bears may primarily eat plants and berries, while in other areas they may mainly consume small mammals. Black bears have also been known to prey on larger animals such as deer, elk, and moose.
Coyotes are a common prey item for black bears, particularly in areas where the two species compete for resources. Coyotes typically weigh between 20 and 50 pounds, making them a relatively easy meal for a black bear.
Coyotes are often seen as a nuisance by farmers and ranchers because they will prey on livestock. But, what do these wily canines have to worry about? Apparently, black bears!
A recent study published in the journal Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution studied interactions between coyotes and black bears in Yellowstone National Park. What they found was that black bears were actually eating coyotes!
While it’s not entirely clear why this is happening, it could be that the two species are competing for food sources.
Or, it could simply be that coyotes make an easy meal for a hungry bear. Either way, it’s fascinating to see how these two predators interact with each other in the wild.
Grizzly bear charges park ranger at Yellowstone Wyoming
Do Black Bears Eat Foxes
Do Black Bears Eat Foxes?
The answer is yes, black bears will eat foxes if given the opportunity. In fact, black bears are known to be one of the few predators of foxes.
While most black bear attacks on foxes are opportunistic (i.e., they occur when a black bear stumbles upon a den or catches a fox in the open), some instances have been documented where a black bear actively hunted down and killed a fox. So, if you’re ever out in bear country, make sure to keep an eye out for these potential predators!




Credit: wildexplained.com
Does Bears Eat Coyote?
There is no simple answer to this question as it depends on a number of factors, such as the species of bear, the location and availability of food sources, and the individual bear’s preferences. In general, however, bears are opportunistic feeders and will typically eat whatever meat they can find – including coyotes. Coyotes are also known to prey on young bears, so there is certainly potential for conflict between the two species.
Do Coyotes Go After Bears?
Yes, coyotes will go after bears if they see the opportunity. Coyotes are known to be very brazen and will take on animals much larger than themselves if they think they can make a kill. In fact, coyotes are one of the few predators that regularly prey on adult black bears.
While most coyote attacks on bears occur during the spring and summer months when bear cubs are born and leaving their dens, there have been reports of coyotes attacking full-grown adult bears in the fall and winter as well.
What Animals Eat the Coyotes?
In North America, the coyote’s diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles and rabbits. They will also eat birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, fruits and vegetables. In urban areas, they are known to eat garbage and pet food.
What Predators Do Black Bears Eat?
When it comes to black bears, there are three main predators that they have to worry about: humans, other bears, and cougars. Let’s take a look at each of these in turn.
Humans
Sadly, humans are the biggest threat to black bears. We hunt them for their fur and meat, and sometimes just because we can. In some parts of the world, such as Asia, bear bile is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, so there is a demand for this too.
As a result, it is estimated that around 5% of the global black bear population is killed by humans each year.
Other Bears
While black bears generally avoid confrontations with other bears, if a male bear feels his territory is being threatened then he will not hesitate to attack.
Females are also known to fight if they feel their cubs are in danger. Brown bears are the main predators of black bears – both species compete for food sources such as berries, nuts and carrion – but grizzly bears have also been known to kill smaller black bears on occasion.
Cougars
Cougars (also known as mountain lions or pumas) will occasionally prey on adult black bears but their main target is usually cubs. If a female cougar has young of her own to feed then she will be particularly aggressive in hunting down bear cubs – even going so far as to kill adult male black bears if necessary.
Conclusion
In North America, coyotes and black bears inhabit many of the same areas. Given their similar diets, it’s not surprising that these two species sometimes compete for food. While they will both eat a variety of things, their mainstay diet consists of small mammals like rodents.
Black bears are typically larger than coyotes and have more powerful jaws, so you might think that they would be the dominant species in these interactions. However, studies have shown that when coyotes and black bears encounter each other, it is usually the coyote that comes out on top.
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