Sand dunes story

by Donna P. Bessken

KIT FOX

Coyotes come into the dunes for food. True opportunists, they eat whatever is available—mice, kangaroo rats, rabbits, insects, mesquite beans and many other things. Their tracks are difficult to distinguish from those left by domestic dogs. Smaller dog-like tracks are left by the kit fox. These small foxes have large ears and well padded feet. They too feed on small rodents. Coyotes and kit foxes receive moisture from their food and drink water at springs within their hunting range. They avoid exposure to heat by being active at night and staying in dens or shaded areas during the heat of the day.

TRACKS

COYOTE
2¼ in.

KANGAROO RAT
¼ in.

BEETLE
¼ in.