Coyote eating grasshoppers in tall grass at Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

Coyote Eating Grasshoppers in the Wichita Mountains

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Last week, I spent an amazing week exploring the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. One particular resident quickly became a familiar sight. I found myself watching a coyote eating grasshoppers in the tallgrass, working its way through them one after another.

Coyote eating grasshoppers in tall grass at Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
I watched this coyote move slowly through the tall grass, picking off grasshoppers one at a time.

Watching a Coyote Eating Grasshoppers

For the first four days of my visit, I’d spot this coyote in roughly the same area. It would be out in the tallgrass, meticulously working its way through a buffet of grasshoppers. I first saw it on my very first evening after setting up camp. I was taking a sunset drive through the refuge when this wily hunter caught my eye.

While I observed from the safe distance of my truck (remember, coyotes are wild animals!), the coyote seemed completely unfazed by my presence. This gave me the perfect opportunity to snap some photos, a few of which I’ve shared here. (Unfortunately, my grasshopper-catching action shots remain elusive!)

Coyote chewing on a grasshopper in tall grass
This coyote paused briefly as it chewed on a freshly caught grasshopper

Why Coyotes Eat Grasshoppers

My curiosity piqued, I did some digging and learned that grasshoppers are a crucial part of a coyote’s diet, especially during the summer and fall when they’re plentiful. These little green snacks aren’t just tasty, they’re also packed with protein and other essential nutrients for a busy coyote on the go.

Coyote searching for grasshoppers in tall grass prairie
With its head low and ears alert, the coyote searched the tall grass for movement.

But why grasshoppers specifically? There are a couple of reasons:

  • Easy pickings: Grasshoppers are often abundant and relatively easy to catch compared to other prey.
  • Dietary flexibility: Coyotes are resourceful eaters. They adapt their diet to what’s available in their environment, and when grasshoppers are hopping around in abundance, it makes perfect sense to take advantage of this readily available food source.
Coyote feeding on grasshoppers in Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Grasshoppers were abundant, and this coyote took full advantage of the easy food source.

A Window into the Wild

For wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, observing a coyote’s feeding behavior can be a truly fascinating experience. Witnessing their hunting techniques and prey choices provides a glimpse into their remarkable adaptability and the strategies they use to survive in the wild.

Coyote standing in tall grass looking toward camera
After feeding, the coyote paused and looked in my direction before moving on.

So, the next time you’re out exploring, keep your eyes peeled! You might just be lucky enough to encounter a coyote with a taste for grasshoppers (and maybe even snap a few photos of your own!).

1 thought on “Coyote Eating Grasshoppers in the Wichita Mountains”

  1. Gosh I never knew that about a Coyote eating grass hoppers. I had a dog one year who loved to eat grasshopper around my yard. I thought it was strange behavior at the time. You took some pretty cool pictures of the Coyote to share with us. Thanks

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