Ask Dr. Tom
Scatology 101
I have noticed over the last few years while spring turkey hunting in Alabama I find turkey beards stuck in coyote scat.
The beards range from a few to several inches. This year, I killed a male coyote running to a gobbling turkey. Do coyotes target gobblers in the spring just because they are noisy? Or maybe they are heavier and slower to get airborne?
Why is the beard the only piece of the turkey that's coming out in the scat unharmed?
Carl Turner, Mobile, Ala.
Many people assume that coyotes are a major predator of turkeys. However, most studies on predation have found they are not very proficient at catching turkeys.
Coyotes are opportunistic predators. If a chance at a meal presents itself, they will go for it, so it is common to find a coyote, usually a young, inexperienced male, sneaking to a turkey hunter's decoy setup or stalking a noisy hen or gobbler. That does not mean they are specifically targeting turkeys in the spring; they are just hoping they catch a dumb, noisy one not paying attention.
Since you are making these observations during spring turkey season and you are finding jake beards, it is more likely that the coyotes are scavenging discarded turkey bodies left by hunters.
Hunters seem reluctant to keep the beard and spurs from a jake. Once the meat is taken, some hunters leave the carcass in the woods for scavengers such as coyotes, raccoons, foxes, hawks, owls, opossums and skunks to consume. It is legal if you are on private land in Alabama and have the owner's permission. However, it may be considered littering on public lands.
As far as the beards coming through the coyote undigested, animal hair, feathers and beards are made of keratin, which does not break down in the stomach.
P.S. Speaking of dead turkeys, check out the spectacular trail camera footage from NWTF Regional Director Billy Hall of a turkey killed by a great horned owl and the parade of scavengers that feast on the carcass over the next few days. View the slideshow.
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