Data from: A continental scale trophic cascade from wolves through coyotes to foxes

Top-down processes, via the direct and indirect effects of interspecific
competitive killing (no consumption of the kill) or intraguild predation
(consumption of the kill), can potentially influence the spatial
distribution of terrestrial predators, but few studies have demonstrated
the phenomenon at a continental scale. For example, in North America, grey
wolves (Canis lupus) are known to kill coyotes (Canis latrans), and
coyotes, in turn, may kill foxes (Vulpes spp.), but the spatial effects of
these competitive interactions at large scales are unknown. Here, we
analyse fur return data across eight jurisdictions in North America to
test whether the presence or absence of wolves has caused a continent-wide
shift in coyote and red fox (Vulpes vulpes) density. Our results support
the existence of a continental scale cascade whereby coyotes outnumber red
foxes in areas where wolves have been extirpated by humans, whereas red
foxes outnumber coyotes in areas where wolves are present. However, for a
distance of up to 200 km on the edge of wolf distribution, there is a
transition zone where the effects of top-down control are weakened,
possibly due to the rapid dispersal and reinvasion capabilities of coyotes
into areas where wolves are sporadically distributed or at low densities.
Our results have implications for understanding how the restoration of
wolf populations across North America could potentially affect
co-occurring predators and prey. We conclude that large carnivores may
need to occupy large continuous areas to facilitate among-carnivore
cascades and that studies of small areas may not be indicative of the
effects of top-down mesopredator control.