Coyotes

Coyotes are a member of the dog family. Their scientific name is ``Canis latrans``, it means ``barking dog.`` This name was given by Thomas Say in 1835. He was one of the first white men to hear the late twilight and early morning howling of this wolf like creature.

Appearance

Coyotes can be anywhere from a yellowish brown to a tawny grey in colour. Their belly is usually off~white. This colour will usually extend onto the throat area. Coyotes have a pointed muzzle and a flat forehead. The tail is quite bushy. Coyotes are between the size of a fox and a wolf.

Behavior

Coyotes are quite playful. Pups will often play~fight and wrestle. A scared coyote will hold its head low and tuck his tail between his/her legs.

When a coyote hears loud sounds it will prick its ears up. If it is another coyote, it will often reply. To us this is howling, but to a coyote it is their way of communicating. They are most active during the early morning and at twilight.

Diet

Coyotes, as you would think, are mainly carnivores. But, they will also eat fruit and insects. The carnivore part of their diet is mostly rodents, such as mice, rats and the odd rabbit. They also eat carrion. Carrion is animal carcasses that other carnivores have eaten off all they want and left it to rot.

Breeding

Coyotes start breeding at about one year. When they find a mate, it is for life. Mating takes place in about February. The pups are born 60 to 63 days later. There are usually five to seven pups, to a maximum of nineteen.

Range

Coyotes are found in most of North America, except the cold Arctic tundra. Coyotes can adapt to most climates quite well.

Coyotes are very interesting animals. Their appearance and behavior is quite similar to that of a dogs. Whenever you see a coyote, think of the storey behind that fur coat. Coyotes have survived for thousands of years, and if we take care of them, they`ll be here for thousands more. Coyotes, like all animals are part of the eco~system, and without one animal it can come crashing down. The more animals that fall, the closer we are to falling.