Which statement is true regarding coyote behavior?

The statement that coyotes generally take easy prey is accurate when considering their hunting behavior and adaptations. Coyotes are opportunistic feeders, which means they will choose prey that requires the least amount of effort to capture. This tendency is influenced by their environment, prey availability, and individual skill levels. By targeting easier prey, such as small rodents, rabbits, and even carrion, coyotes optimize their energy expenditure and increase their chances of a successful hunt. This behavior enables them to thrive in a variety of habitats, from urban areas to rural landscapes, where they can adapt their diet based on what's readily available.

Each of the other statements presents a different perspective on coyote behavior but does not uniformly represent their general behavior across varying contexts. They do sometimes hunt in groups, especially when targeting larger prey, but they are just as often solitary hunters. While some coyotes may avoid livestock, many have adapted to areas where livestock are present, leading to human-wildlife conflict. Although many coyotes are active at night, they can also hunt during the day, making them more versatile in their habits than strictly nocturnal. Thus, the correct answer reflects a core aspect of their behavioral ecology.