Watch Two Coyotes Team Up Against a Lone Bobcat

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Written by Maxwell Martinson

Updated: November 15, 2023

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It’s videos like the one we’re about to see that make our furry friends of the natural world seem a little less friendly. Few of us would call a wild bobcat or coyote a “friend,” to be sure, but we often forget how their crafty and malicious natures show when it’s time to eat.

We don’t hear a lot about the “Coyote and Bobcat” feuds, but they’re happening all of the time, without question. Coyotes and bobcats occupy a lot of the same territory and compete for similar prey sources.

When prey is low and the time is right, these canine and feline counterparts might even see one another as food sources. Before we take a look at the video, let’s first discuss these two species and the context of the scene.

A pair of coyotes

Coyotes use their keen senses to hunt: eyesight in open areas, and smell and sound in forests.

What Are Characteristics of Bobcats?

Bobcats are native to North America, reaching from parts of northwestern Canada down into southern Mexico. Although they cover a lot of territory, they do it in secret.

Unless you live in a densely populated area, it’s rare that you’ll see a bobcat anywhere across greater North America. You might see one skirt into the woods as you drive by, or you might even encounter one on a hike, but the odds are low.

That’s because bobcats, like mountain lions, lynxes, and other big cats of North America, are smart. They stay out of the way unless it’s safe. If they do get in your way, that means they think it’s safe for them (and that means it might be unsafe for you).

In any case, it’s probably a good thing we don’t see a lot of bobcat activity in our daily lives. They’re about four times larger than the average house cat. Note that housecats are perfectly designed predators, and your average housecat could really mess up your day if it wanted to.

A bobcat could do significantly more damage.

bobcat

Bobcats are native to North America, reaching from parts of northwestern Canada down into southern Mexico

How About Coyotes?

Bobcats aren’t powerful enough to confidently take on two coyotes, though. Coyotes are another mid-sized predator native to the majority of North America.

Again, these guys do things in the shadows — give or take a few shrieks and screams now and then. They also happen to be roughly the same size and weight as bobcats.

The key difference is that bobcats hunt alone and coyotes do not. Coyotes can take down cattle if they’re determined to, whereas bobcats mostly hunt rabbits, rodents, and other small mammals.

Large, confident bobcats have been known to take down deer, though, so they’re not easy prey by any means. That’s what makes the scene in this video so engaging: you’re seeing two predator species of equal size and ability facing off.

The only catch is that there are two coyotes and one bobcat. The lone bobcat appears first on the scene, looking around and alert. Then, the first coyote enters the frame and makes for the bobcat, which takes off running into the thick woods behind it. Suddenly, the second coyote takes action, leaping after the bobcat, which speeds up and sprints right out of the camera’s view with both coyotes hot on its heels.

While the clip is short, it still illuminates how these animals operate, as well as the quick and interesting abilities they have to do what they can in order to survive.

snarling coyote

While the bobcat hunts along, the coyote does not, and with help can take down cattle and deer if they’re determined to.

Other Amazing Animal Videos You May Like

In this video, a man is fishing from his kayak when an unexpected visitor with a darling face approaches his vessel. A seal proceeds to greet him with friendly nudges before making its way into the kayak! There, the two enjoy hanging out together in the boat while the fisherman talks to the seal. Seals are normally wary of humans, so this sweet interaction between a wild seal and a human is quite the phenomenon.


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About the Author

Hi! I'm Max and I'm a writer from Minneapolis, Minnesota. I've been freelancing for more than five years and love the freedom and variety that this profession offers. Animals are also a big part of my life, and a lot of my time is dedicated to playing with my cat, Herbie.

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