How do domestic dogs influence intraguild interactions among native canids?

2018

Harvest rates and bowhunter survey data in the Midwestern U.S. suggest both red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) populations have declined, and a recent assessment of mesocarnivore occupancy across southern Illinois suggested gray fox range was contracting. Indices of coyote (Canis latrans) abundance increased concurrently and competition resulting in intraguild killing and spatial displacement to human-associated habitats have been proposed as agents of gray fox population decline. In addition, we previously demonstrated a strong elevation in both red fox and gray fox occupancy near human-developed areas if coyotes were present. One complication previously unacco…