Source link : https://earth-news.info/general/coastal-coyotes-unexpected-hunt-the-battle-for-harbor-seal-pups/
Scientists have recently documented a surprising new predator-prey interaction along the California coastline: coyotes hunting harbor seal pups. This unexpected behavior sheds light on the adaptability of coastal coyotes and raises important questions about the dynamics of marine and terrestrial ecosystems. The findings, detailed in a 2025 Ecology article by Gerraty published in ESA Journals, provide fresh insights into wildlife behavior and the complex food webs that connect land and sea.
Coyotes Exploit Vulnerable Harbor Seal Pups Along California Shoreline
Along the rugged California coastline, an unexpected predator-prey dynamic has emerged. Recent observations reveal that coyotes are increasingly preying upon vulnerable harbor seal pups, especially during pupping season when the young seals are most defenseless. Coastal coyotes, typically associated with terrestrial habitats, are adapting their hunting strategies to exploit seal pups stranded onshore during low tides or abandoned by their mothers. Wildlife experts note this behavior could have significant implications for seal population dynamics, raising concerns about the interplay between urban-adapted predators and marine mammal conservation.
Conservationists emphasize several factors contributing to this rise in predation:
- Habitat overlap: Expansion of coyote territories into coastal zones increases encounters.
- Timing: Seal pups are most vulnerable in their first few weeks when they haul out on…
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Author : earthnews
Publish date : 2025-09-25 11:21:00
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