Spatiotemporal predictions of the alternative prey hypothesis: Predator habitat use during decreasing prey abundance

Abstract The alternative prey hypothesis supposes that predators supported by a primary species will shift to consume during decrease in abundance. implies declines of one species, predator modifies their behavior exploit secondary, or alternative, species. Despite occurring many systems, the behavioral mechanisms (e.g., habitat selection) allowing toward abundance are poorly understood. We evaluated selection and use generalist with respect two dramatic prey. Further, we how spatial variation access affected selection, assessed similarity overlap between habitats used each Coyotes ( Canis latrans ) exhibited decreasing for cottontail rabbits Sylvilagus spp.; prey) population decreases but did not neonate mule deer Odocoileus hemionus ; prey). Use rabbit remained high even historically low abundance, while was proportion its availability. seemingly do make large shifts following temporal prey, instead, take advantage facilitate prey‐switching behavior. Our work extends previous research conducted under explicitly evaluating influence as factors affecting behaviors predators.