About Wild Coyotes

Wild coyotes are members of the canine family and can be found throughout North America. The word coyote comes from the Aztec name "coyoti." Its Latin name "canis latrans" means "barking dog." Coyotes often appear as "clever tricksters" in Native American songs, legends and stories. Coyotes are intelligent animals and they adapt easily to diverse landscapes and habitats, including deserts, forests, mountains and cities. The coyote's adaptability allows the species to thrive, despite human attempts to stop it from populating.

Appearance

• Coyotes are medium-sized at about 20 to 28 inches tall, and often look like domesticated German Shepherds. They weigh between 20 and 60 pounds. One of the most unique characteristics of the coyote is its bushy black-tipped tail, which points down as the coyote runs

Food

• Coyotes are predators and foragers. They will eat many foods, including fruits, berries, insects and fish. They hunt all kinds of animals, ranging from small animals like lizards, birds and rodents to larger animals like calves and deer.

Mating and Family

• Coyotes are monogamous. Once coyotes find their mates, they stay together for life. The coyote mating season is between February and April. The female chooses and prepares the den for birth. A female coyote can give birth to a litter of three to 12 pups. Both coyote parents protect and raise the young. Parents regurgitate food for the pups when they are about three weeks old to prepare them for real food. By fall, pups can usually hunt independently.

Abilities

• Coyotes communicate with each other through different sounds, body language and scent. Coyotes can make many different sounds including howling, barking and huffing. Coyotes have a very strong sense of smell, sharp sight and keen hearing. They can run up to 40 miles per hour.