Relative abundance indices, specifically scent-stations, have been used throughout North America to monitor coyote (Canis latrans) abundance trends. Previous studies have focused on captive coyote?s reaction to the introduction of novel objects to enclosures to predict behavioral responses of wild coyotes. No previous study has evaluated the behavioral response of wild coyotes to the introduction of scent-stations within their range. We conducted quarterly scent-station transects in western Riverside County, California with each station supplemented with continuously active motion sensitive cameras. The most common behavioral responses were no reaction (44.3%, n = 31) and visual/olfactory inspection (42.9%; n = 30), with avoidance (10.0%; n = 7), scent marking 1.4%; n = 1), and rub-rolling (1.4%; n = 1) documented. Our results indicated short duration scentstation indices may underestimate coyote abundance.
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