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.
“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: