Do Coyotes Eat Watermelons

Coyotes do eat watermelons, and they actually seem to enjoy them quite a bit.
 
If you’ve ever caught a coyote rummaging through your garden or trash, you might have wondered whether coyotes eat watermelons or just ignore them.
 
The short answer is yes, coyotes eat watermelons because they’re opportunistic omnivores that will eat almost anything they can find.
 
Watermelons are a sweet, hydrating treat that coyotes will happily snack on when other food sources are scarce.
 
In this post, we’ll explore why coyotes eat watermelons, how they find them, and what you should do if you suspect coyotes are feeding on your melons.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

Why Coyotes Eat Watermelons

Coyotes eat watermelons for a few very practical reasons, and once you understand their eating habits, it all makes sense.
 

1. Coyotes Are Opportunistic Omnivores

Coyotes eat watermelons because they’re opportunistic omnivores, meaning they’ll eat whatever is available.
 
Their natural diet includes rodents, rabbits, birds, insects, and fruit.
 
When wild prey is hard to catch, coyotes turn to plants, and watermelons fit the bill perfectly.
 
This flexibility is one of the main reasons coyotes survive so well in both rural and urban areas.
 

2. Watermelons Provide Hydration

Coyotes eat watermelons partly because the fruit is over 90% water.
 
In hot, dry climates, finding a reliable water source can be tough.
 
A ripe watermelon gives coyotes both food and hydration in one convenient package.
 
That’s why coyotes eat watermelons more often during summer droughts when other water sources dry up.
 

3. The Sweet Taste Is Irresistible

Coyotes eat watermelons because they have a serious sweet tooth.
 
Wild fruits, berries, and melons are naturally appealing to them.
 
The sugars in watermelon give coyotes a quick energy boost.
 
So when a coyote finds a melon patch, it won’t hesitate to dig in.
 

4. Melons Are Easy to Access in Gardens

Coyotes eat watermelons because home gardens and farms make them easy to reach.
 
A watermelon sitting on the ground is pretty much a free meal.
 
Coyotes don’t have to climb or hunt for it.
 
This is why coyotes eat watermelons so often in suburban areas where gardens are common.
 

How Coyotes Eat Watermelons

Coyotes eat watermelons in a way that leaves behind some pretty obvious clues.
 

1. They Break the Rind Open

Coyotes eat watermelons by biting through the tough outer rind.
 
Their sharp teeth and strong jaws make short work of the shell.
 
Once the rind is cracked, the soft inside is easy to reach.
 
That’s usually why you’ll find watermelon scraps with jagged bite marks if coyotes have been around.
 

2. They Scoop Out the Flesh

Coyotes eat watermelons by scooping out the juicy red flesh inside.
 
They tend to leave the harder rind behind.
 
The seeds usually get swallowed along with the fruit.
 
So a coyote-eaten watermelon often looks hollowed out and messy.
 

3. They Often Eat Them at Night

Coyotes eat watermelons mostly after dark since they’re nocturnal hunters.
 
That means you might not catch them in the act.
 
Instead, you’ll just find the damage the next morning.
 
This is why coyotes eat watermelons without most gardeners ever seeing them do it.
 

4. They May Cache Leftovers

Coyotes eat watermelons and sometimes bury what they can’t finish.
 
Caching food is a common coyote behavior.
 
It helps them save extra calories for later.
 
So if coyotes eat watermelons in your yard, don’t be surprised to find buried pieces nearby.
 

Are Watermelons Safe for Coyotes?

Watermelons are safe for coyotes to eat in moderation.
 
The fruit itself isn’t toxic to them at all.
 
In fact, coyotes eat watermelons as part of a balanced wild diet.
 
The only real concern is when watermelons have been sprayed with pesticides or fertilizers.
 
Those chemicals can harm coyotes and other wildlife.
 
So while coyotes eat watermelons safely in nature, treated garden melons can be risky for them.
 

1. Ripe vs. Unripe Melons

Coyotes eat watermelons that are ripe or even slightly overripe.
 
They prefer the sweeter, softer fruit.
 
Unripe melons are harder to break into.
 
So coyotes eat watermelons that are ready to harvest, which is bad news for gardeners.
 

2. Seeds and Rind

Coyotes eat watermelons seeds and all, and the seeds pass through their system harmlessly.
 
The rind is tougher, so they usually leave most of it behind.
 
Still, coyotes eat watermelons rind sometimes when they’re really hungry.
 

How to Keep Coyotes Away From Your Watermelons

If coyotes eat watermelons in your garden, there are a few things you can do to protect your crop.
 

1. Harvest Early

Pick watermelons as soon as they’re ripe so coyotes eat watermelons less often.
 
Don’t leave ripe melons sitting in the field overnight.
 

2. Use Fencing

A sturdy fence at least six feet tall can stop coyotes from getting to your melons.
 
Bury the bottom edge to prevent digging.
 

3. Remove Attractants

Keep trash, pet food, and fallen fruit picked up.
 
This reduces the chances that coyotes eat watermelons on your property.
 

4. Use Motion Lights

Motion-activated lights and sprinklers can scare coyotes away at night.
 
They’re simple but surprisingly effective.
 

So, Do Coyotes Eat Watermelons?

Coyotes do eat watermelons, and they’ll happily do so whenever the opportunity arises.
 
These adaptable omnivores eat watermelons for hydration, energy, and because the sweet taste is hard to resist.
 
While watermelons are safe for coyotes, they can wreak havoc on your garden if you’re not careful.
 
So if you’ve been wondering whether coyotes eat watermelons, now you know the answer is a resounding yes.
 
Keep your melons harvested, your fences tall, and your yard free of easy meals, and you’ll keep coyotes from feasting on your crop.