Type: Mammal
Diet: Omnivore
Average lifespan in the wild: Up to 14 years
Size: Head and body, 32 to 37 in (81 to 94 cm); Tail, 16 in (41 cm)
Weight: 20 to 50 lbs (9 to 23 kg)
Group name: Pack
Did you know? Coyotes are very good swimmers. In areas of the northeast United States, where coyotes have migrated since the 20th century, the animals have colonized the Elizabeth Islands of Massachusetts.
What does a coyote look like?
The color of the coyote's pelt varies from grayish brown to yellowish gray on the upper parts, while the throat and belly tend to have a buff or white color. The ears are large in relation to the head, while the feet are relatively small in relation to the rest of the body. Mountain dwelling coyotes tend to be dark furred while desert coyotes tend to be more yellowish in color. The coyote's tail is used in threat displays. It becomes bushy and is held horizontally when the Coyote displays aggression. The coyote's hearing is very acute and is used for detecting prey and avoiding danger. Movement and position of the ears are used to communicate mood and rank. 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.
Coyote video.
Where do coyote's live?
The ubiquitous coyote is found throughout North America from eastern Alaska to New England and south through Mexico to Panama. Sightings now commonly occur in Florida, New England and eastern Canada. Coyotes inhabit all life zones of the Desert Southwest from low valley floors to the crest of the highest mountains, but especially open plains, grasslands and high mesas. Its natural habitat is open grassland, but it will move to wherever food is available.
What does a coyote eat?
Coyotes will eat almost anything. They hunt rabbits, rodents, fish, frogs, and even deer. They also happily dine on insects, snakes, fruit, grass, and carrion. Because they sometimes kill lambs, calves, or other livestock, as well as pets, many ranchers and farmers regard them as destructive pests.
How big is a coyote?
Coyotes are smaller than wolves and are sometimes called prairie wolves or brush wolves. They communicate with a distinctive call, which at night often develops into a raucous canine chorus.
What sounds does a coyote make and why?
The coyote is one of the few wild animals that are commonly heard. At night coyotes both howl and emit a series of short, high-pitched yips. Howls are used to keep in touch with other coyotes in the area.
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.
Did you know?
Coyotes and badgers sometimes team up to hunt together; their respective skills of running and digging are a force for prey to reckon with.
When hunting deer, coyotes work as a team to harass and pursue the animal to exhaustion.
With the ability to sprint at speeds up to 40 mph even jackrabbits have a hard time staying ahead of a coyote.
When hunting in pairs, one typically distracts the attention of the prey while the other coyote sneaks up from behind.
They will also wade in the water to catch fish and forage along the banks for crayfish or turtle eggs
Coyote images
Coyote Wallpapers
Download free Coyote wallpapers, click on the image to open the large version.
Coyote wallpaper 1
Coyote wallpaper 2
Coyote wallpaper 3
Coyote wallpaper 4
Coyote wallpaper 5
Coyote Coloring pages
Print free Coyote coloring pages, click on the image to open the large version.
