Coyote
Canis latrans
Description
- A grizzled grey or reddish-grey coat with buff
underparts, long, rusty or yellowish legs and a bushy
tail characterize the coyote. They have arresting, yellow
eyes and prominent ears. Average weight is 20-40 pounds.
Distribution
- The coyote was originally native only to the prairies
and arid west but as settlers moved across the country,
altering the landscape and doing away with wolves, a
new niche was opened up to the coyote. They now thrive
in the Western Hemisphere from the Pacific to Atlantic
Oceans.
Biology
- The coyote may pair for life and each year up to 19
young are born. Eating almost anything it can chew,
coyote is a opportunistic and cunning hunter. Known
to run up to 40 mph, they often combine efforts with
1 or 2 others when running their prey. The typical den
is a wide mouthed tunnel, terminating in an enlarged
nesting area. Predators once included the grizzly and
black bears, mountain lions and wolves, but due to their
declining populations these are no longer a threat.
Since coyote pelts have become increasingly valuable,
man is the major enemy.
Tracks
- The coyote track closely resembles that of a dog or
fox although the coyote tends to follow a straight path
across open areas where the others will wander or follow
aspects of the landscape. The print is a rough oval
shape with four toes bearing claw prints. The larger
front foot has a much larger pad than the smaller rear
foot.
Straddle: 10.5 - 15 cm (4.2 - 6 in)
Stride: 30 - 40 cm (12 - 16 in)
Track: 6.5 cm (2.6 in) long / 5.5 cm (2.2 in) wide
