The coyotes we would shoot 15 years ago where in fact smaller than the ones im seeing now, and I have the pictures to prove it. They even stand taller... 55-60 pounds the most recent, versus 35-40 before. Change in genetics, food sources, geographic location and habitat. Not sure what is to blame, but they have changed in my area...
Availability of prey and changes in habitat can certainly have impacts on genetic variation. But is it a 'new predator'? I doubt it. More likely it is just increased genetic variation within the same species. Just as better habitat can produce bigger trophy deer, moose, caribou, etc., and the reverse can diminish it. Keep in mind that the eastern coyotes you see now are many generations removed from those that first moved into northeastern North America over the past century.




















































