Unexpected Allies: Wyoming Coyotes and Badgers Hunt Prairie Dogs Together

In a surprising display of teamwork, two of Wyoming’s most tenacious predators—coyotes and badgers—join forces to hunt prairie dogs and ground squirrels, Cowboy State Daily reports.

This partnership leverages the unique strengths of each species: the badger’s digging prowess and the coyote’s speed and vigilance, leaving their prey with little chance of escape.

The hunting strategy is simple yet effective. Badgers dig into burrowing rodents’ dens, while coyotes position themselves at the exits, ready to ambush any fleeing prey. Retired wildlife biologist Franz Camenzind, who has observed this behavior extensively in the Jackson area, describes their collaboration as a result of mutual recognition of each other’s abilities.

“They spend a lot of time together during the summers… It’s fascinating to see how they work in tandem, often walking in parallel lines and stopping in sync,” Camenzind explained.

The phenomenon has captivated wildlife photographers like Isabella Smedley, who initially doubted reports of such cooperation. Though coyotes and badgers are often rivals—coyotes have even been known to kill unprotected young badgers—Smedley eventually witnessed the teamwork herself.

“They would walk side by side, stop together, and follow each other’s gaze… It’s incredible to watch them coordinate their efforts,” Smedley said.

Camenzind shared similar anecdotes, recounting how coyotes and badgers sometimes operate in close proximity without issue, even with coyotes leaping over badgers during the chase.

When it comes to dividing the spoils, the first predator to catch the prey claims it without resistance. Camenzind and Smedley have both observed that neither the badger nor the coyote shows hostility if their partner scores the meal.

“The badger usually takes the lead by digging into the den… If the coyote gets to the prey first, the badger simply moves on to the next den, and vice versa,” Camenzind noted.

Sometimes, a third predator tries to get in on the hunt. Camenzind recounted witnessing a prairie falcon swoop low over a badger-coyote team-up, further shrinking the prairie dog’s odds of survival. “It made me feel for those ground squirrels,” he said. “It’s like the whole food chain was after them.”

The collaboration between coyotes and badgers highlights the resourcefulness and resilience of both species, traits that make them beloved symbols of Wyoming’s rugged wilderness. Smedley, who regularly photographs wildlife in Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, is especially fond of these adaptable hunters.

“They are resilient, persistent, and fearless… Watching them work together is a reminder of just how incredible nature can be,” she said.