Coyotes

One of the biggest predators of sea otters that eat sea otters is coyotes. Coyotes, members of the canine family, used to predominately inhabit deserts and plains. They now traverse the mountains and forests of the American continent. They are present throughout most of North America and have even managed to dominate cities like Los Angeles. Coyotes have keen vision and a keen sense of smell. They are excellent hunters since they can run at 40 mph. Coyotes establish groups to increase the efficiency of their hunting throughout the winter and autumn.

The coyote is sociable like the Eurasian golden jackal, but it is not as reliant on conspecifics as more social canid species like wolves are. This is most probable because, unlike the later species, coyotes do not specialize on hunting huge animals. A family that includes a female in reproductive age is the fundamental social unit of a coyote pack. Unrelated coyotes could band together, though, either for companionship or to hunt down prey that is too big for them to take on alone.

In addition to sea otters, coyotes also consume deer, frogs, fish, rodents, and rabbits. In addition, they eat fruit, grass, carrion, and snakes. Because they destroy calves, lambs, and other animals in addition to pets, many farmers and ranchers view them as harmful pests.