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An apparatus for studying operant activity of captive coyotes
L A Robbins1, J R Mason, P D Fowkes
1Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-5295, USA. mason@cscfs1.usu.edu
Behavior Research Methods, Instruments, & Computers : a Journal of the Psychonomic Society, Inc
|February 24, 2001
Abstract:
We describe a portable apparatus designed to examine the free-operant food preferences of captive coyotes in their home kennels. Because lever-pressing for food access was the dependent variable, we measured food preference independently of food ingestion. Using successive approximation, we trained 8 out of 19 coyotes (42%) to use the apparatus. This percentage is similar to training rates for dogs. We used fixed and variable ratio schedules of reinforcement to further test 4 of the trained coyotes. All 4 produced response curves similar to those of other species on similar schedules of reinforcement.