The coyote is the most common predator in the Sonoran Desert.

The coyote is a highly adaptable and skilled predator found throughout the Sonoran Desert. With its ability to thrive in a variety of habitats, from rocky canyons to open desert plains, the coyote preys on small mammals such as rabbits, rodents, and birds. It is an opportunistic feeder, scavenging from larger predators or human waste when needed. Coyotes play a critical role in maintaining ecological balance by regulating populations of smaller animals, which helps to prevent overgrazing and supports the desert’s food chain. Their survival and adaptability make them a key desert species.