Bookmark this valuable site Description of the Coyote
The Coyote is a member of the dog family. In size and shape the Coyote is like a medium-sized Collie dog, but its tail is round and bushy and is carried straight out below the level of its back.
Coyotes found in low deserts and valleys weigh about 20 pounds, less than half of their mountain kin, who can weigh up to 50 pounds. Desert Coyotes are light gray or tan with a black tip on the tail.
Coyotes of high elevations have fur that is darker, thicker and longer; the under parts are nearly white, with some specimens having a white tip on the tail. In winter the coats of mountain Coyotes become long and silky, and trappers hunt them for their fur.
Related Species
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The Coyote is one of 8 species of the genus Canis. Four of these are jackals of Europe, Africa & Asia. Other members of the genus include the Gray Wolf (C. lupus), the Red Wolf (C. rufus) and all the breeds of the domestic dog (C. familiaris).
Vocalization
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The Coyote is one of the few wild animals whose vocalizations are commonly heard. At night Coyotes both howl (a high quavering cry) and emit a series of short, high-pitched yips. Howls are used to keep in touch with other coyotes in the area. Sometimes, when it is first heard, the listener may experience a tingling fear of primitive danger, but to the seasoned outdoorsman, the howl of the Coyote is truly a song of the West.
Howling - communication with others in the area." Also, an announcement that "I am here and this is my area. Other males are invited to stay away but females are welcome to follow the sound of my voice. Please answer and let me know where you are so we don't have any unwanted conflicts.
Yelping - a celebration or criticism within a small group of coyotes." Often heard during play among pups or young animals.
Bark - The scientific name for coyotes means "Barking dog," Canis latrans. The bark is thought to be a threat display when a coyote is protecting a den or a kill.
Huffing - is usually used for calling pups without making a great deal of noise."
Tail
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The Coyote's tail is used in threat displays. It becomes bush and is held horizontally when the Coyote displays aggression.
Ears
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The Coyote's hearing is very acute and is used for detecting prey and avoiding danger. Movement and position of the ears is used to communicate mood and rank.
Nose
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The Coyote's sense of smell is highly developed and is used to detect prey and carrion. It is also used to detect the scent left by other Coyotes as territorial markers.
Feet
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The Coyote has 5 digits on the forefeet, including the dewclaw (remnants 5th digit) and 4 digits on their hind feet. the Coyote is digitigrade meaning it walks with only its toes touching the ground.
Comparison with Others
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The Gray Wolf, (Canis lupus) once shared much of the same range as the Coyote and belongs to the same Genus -- Canis. But the wolf is usually larger and darker in appearance. The nearly successful attempts to exterminate the Gray Wolf (the Coyote's primary predator) has been largely responsible for the Coyote's great expansion across the American continent
Coyotes also carry their tails quite differently than wolves. A Coyote's tail is normally held down, although not between the legs. A wolf carries its tail rather horizontally.
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Behavior
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One of the most adaptable animals in the world, the Coyote can change its breeding habits, diet and social dynamics to survive in a wide variety of habitats.
Alone, in pairs or in packs, Coyotes maintain their territories by marking them with urine. They also use calls to defend this territory, as well as for strengthening social bonds and general communication.
Vital Statistics
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Weight: 15-45 lbs. Length with tail: 40-60" . Shoulder Height: 15-20"
Sexual Maturity: 1-2 years. Mating Season: Jan-March . Gestation Period: 58-65 days
No. of Young: 2-12, 6 avg. Birth Interval: 1 year
Lifespan: 15 years in the wild
Typical diet: Small mammals, insects, reptiles, fruit & carrion Curious Coyote Facts
Only 5-20% of Coyote pups survive their first year.
The Coyote can run at almost 40 mph. They can breed with both domestic dogs and wolves. A dog-coyote mix is called a "coydog."
The Coyote is more likely afraid of you than vice-versa. Like dogs, coyotes mark their territory with urine.
