Coyote The Coyote (Canis latrans) is also known as the Prairie Wolf and is found throughout North and Central America. Coyotes also occur as far north as Alaska and Canada. The name ‘Coyote’ is from the Mexican Spanish language and its scientific name means ‘barking dog’. The coyote is one of 8 species of the genus Canis. Four of these are jackals of Europe, Africa and Asia.
Other members of the genus include the Grey Wolf (Canis lupus), the Red Wolf (Canis rufus) and all the breeds of the domestic dog (Canis familiaris).
Coyote Description
Coyotes measure around 75 – 87 centimetres (30 – 34 inches) in length and weigh on average 7 – 21 kilograms (15 – 46 pounds). They have a tail length of 40 – 60 inches which becomes bushy and is held horizontally when the Coyote displays aggression. Coyotes in the north of their range are generally larger than southern species. Coyotes are known to reach their maximum size within their first year whereas wolves reach their maximum size in their second year.
A coyotes fur varies in colour from a greyish brown to a yellow/grey colour. Their throats and underparts are generally lighter in colour, mostly white. They have reddish/brown forelegs, sides of head, muzzle and feet. Their under fur is beige and they have long, black tipped guard hairs that form a black dorsal stripe and a dark cross on the shoulder area. Coyotes have a tail with a black tip on the end. Their tail has a scent gland situated on its’ dorsal base.
Coyotes have large ears even though they have a small head and their feet are small in comparison with the rest of their body. Coyotes molt once a year starting in May and ending in July. Like domestic dogs, coyotes have sweat glands on their paws. The coyote has 5 digits on the forefeet, including the dew claw (remnants of a 5th digit) and 4 digits on the hind feet. Coyotes are digitigrades meaning they walk with only their toes touching the ground.
Coyote Habitat
Coyotes are able to dig their own burrows but are more likely to take over and inhabit burrows made by badgers. Coyotes travel along fixed trails and have a territory range of up to 19 kilometres.
Coyote Diet
Coyotes are carnivores and have a 90% mammalian diet. They feed upon a variety of prey such as voles, squirrels, birds, snakes, javelinas, lizards, deer, mice and livestock as well as large insects and other large invertebrates. Part of the coyotes success as a species is its dietary adaptability. As such, coyotes have been known to eat human rubbish and domestic pets. Fruits and vegetables are a significant part of the coyotes diet in the autumn and winter months. Coyotes will also consume large amounts of carrion (animal carcasses), however, they do prefer fresh meat.
Coyote Behaviour
Coyotes are fast animals and can reach speeds of up to 40 – 45 miles per hour and they can jump over 4 metres. Coyotes usually hunt in pairs, however, they have been known to travel in large groups. Coyote packs consist of closely related adults, yearlings and pups. Coyote groups are referred to as either packs, bands or routs. Coyotes were once diurnal animals but have adapted in becoming nocturnal due to human interference.
Coyotes can be heard more than they can be seen, Coyote calls are high pitched and are referred to as howls, yelps and barks. Coyote calls are generally heard at dusk and at night but have been heard during the day. The calls are most common during mating season and in the autumn when pups leave to establish their own territories.
Coyotes have different hunting techniques whereby when hunting small prey they slowly stalk through grass and use their acute sense of smell to track down prey. When prey is located, they stiffen and pounce on the prey like a cat. Larger prey such as ungulates are attacked from the rear by a pack taking turns to bait and pursue the animal to exhaustion. Coyotes are persistent hunters, with successful attacks sometimes lasting from 14 minutes to about 21 hours. The average distance covered in a nights hunting is 4 kilometres (2 – 3 miles).
Coyote Reproduction
Coyote breeding season occurs between late January and late March. Female coyotes are monoestrous (having one estrous cycle per year) and remain on heat for 2 – 5 days. When the female finds the right partner, they remain monogamous (having one partner during a period of time) for a number of years.
The female coyote gestation period lasts 60 – 63 days after which a litter ranging from 1 – 19 pups are born (average is 6 pups). Unfortunately, over half coyote pups do not survive to adulthood. Coyote pups weigh around 250 grams at birth and are blind and limp eared. Their eyes open and their ears become erect after 10 days. The pups emerge from their birth dens after 21 – 28 days. They drink their mothers milk for about 5 to 7 weeks and are fully weaned after 35 days.
Both parents feed the pups after weaning with regurgitated food. At the age of 6 – 9 months, male pups leave their dens while female pups remain with their parents and form the basis of the pack. Pups are fully grown at the age of 9 – 12 months and also reach sexual maturity although most do not breed until the age of 2 years. The life span of a coyote is up to 10 – 14 years in the wild and 18 years in captivity.
Coyote Conservation Status
Coyotes are classed as ‘Least Concern’ by the IUCN. Cougars sometimes kill coyotes. The coyotes instinctive fear of cougars has led to the development of anti-coyote sound systems which repel coyotes from public places by replicating the sounds of a cougar.