A trail camera at the Karl E. Mundt National Wildlife Refuge in South Dakota and Nebraska caught a bunch of coyotes passing the same spot and doing the same exact thing: peeing. But why? The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), which manages the trail cam, says the coyotes are communicating with each other.
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“Scent marking is the OG social media,” wrote USFWS in an Instagram post sharing a compilation of trail-cam footage showing peeing coyotes. “Coyotes mark a spot with urine and feces as a way to communicate with other coyotes and establish dominance over a territory. It plays a critical role in their social structure, reproduction, and survival strategy.”
USFWS went on to write some cheeky “reviews” about this spot from the coyotes’ POV.
“’Great location, perfect spot for a quick mark! Would pee here again.’ – Local Coyote”
“‘Strong scent presence, but could use more variety. Needs a few more visitors to really stand out.’ – Another Coyote”
“‘Mid. Didn’t get the dominance vibes I was hoping for. Overrated.’ – Kevin”
How many similar spots do you think we all hike past without even realizing the importance of the location for other species?
Watch as a bunch of different coyotes pee in the same place in front of a trail cam:
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