Scientists have discovered that coyotes are responsible for the decapitated seals found on northern California beaches since 2016.
The Noyo Center for Marine Science’s investigation, along with camera trap footage, confirmed the coyotes’ predation.
Coyotes have been appearing more frequently in the area, and researchers are still trying to understand the predator-prey relationship. (Trending: Could Taylor Swift Save Biden In 2024?)
The seals found decapitated are harbor seals, and ongoing research aims to understand the hunting patterns and impact on the marine animal population.
“It was so gruesome,” Grimes said.
“I was like marine mammal CSI, seeing all the dead pups with their heads torn off, and I’m like, ‘What the heck did that?’”
“We set up camera traps and got one really solid video of a coyote dragging a harbor seal pup and beheading it,” Ph.D. student Frankie Gerraty said.
“We are pretty confident there has been predation at four sites along the Northern California coast.”
“This really is nature’s balance,” Grimes said.
“The coyote is not a villain. It’s part of the ecosystem that has been missing for some years.”
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