Coyote Canis latrans (C. latrans umpquesis)
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Habitat
Coyotes can be found throughout the Americas, and take advantage of a wide range of habitats for both hunting and dens, and are particularly tolerant of human activities. Coyotes are not usually found in areas with wolves. Coyote dens can be found in a variety of locations and habitat types, and they frequently use dens that have been abandoned by other animals. Coyotes prefer dens with multiple entrances and connecting tunnels. Home ranges very geographically, and may overlap, with averages of 2 square miles to 55 square miles. Coyotes living in packs tend to have smaller home ranges, and individual coyotes or pairs tend not to defend their territory they way small packs do. |
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Carnivora Family: Canidae Genus: Canis Species: latrans Total Length: 3.5-4.5 ft.
Shoulder Height: 23-26 in. Tail Length: 12-16 in. Weight: 18-44 lbs. Lifespan: 10 years |
Adaptation
Coyotes are slender and dog-like, larger than foxes and smaller than wolves. Their coloration can range from grayish brown to yellowish brown, with reddish coloration on the legs and muzzle, and a white belly and throat. Black-tipped guard hairs produce distinct marks across the shoulders, down the center of the back, and the tip of the tail. Coyotes have large triangular ears and long, narrow muzzles. Coyotes run with their tails drooping down, as distinguished from wolves who run with tails straight out, and domestic dogs who run with their tails raised.
In some areas, coyotes are solitary except for breeding season. In other areas, coyotes form social groups. The size of the typical prey of the area correlates to the frequency of pack structure—larger prey requires social groups. Coyotes are nocturnal, but can be seen on occasion during the day. While hunting, coyotes can reach speeds of up to 43 mph, and can jump over 13 ft.
Coyotes mate from late January to early April, and may remain with a partner for several years. Gestation takes approximately 2 months, and an average litter produces 6 pups (though may be as few as 1 or as many as 19). Pups are born blind, and with limp ears. After about 10 days, their eyes open and ears begin to resemble their parents. Young coyotes are fed regurgitated food from their parents.
Coyotes use a variety of vocalizations for communication. Howls (long rising and falling notes) indicate location to other coyotes, short barks are used as danger warnings, yips are used for welcoming members into a pack, growls establish dominance, whimpers help males and females establish bonds with on another, and puppies are summoned with high-pitched barks. Coyotes also urinate and defecate on stumps, bushes, or rocks to mark territory.
Coyotes are slender and dog-like, larger than foxes and smaller than wolves. Their coloration can range from grayish brown to yellowish brown, with reddish coloration on the legs and muzzle, and a white belly and throat. Black-tipped guard hairs produce distinct marks across the shoulders, down the center of the back, and the tip of the tail. Coyotes have large triangular ears and long, narrow muzzles. Coyotes run with their tails drooping down, as distinguished from wolves who run with tails straight out, and domestic dogs who run with their tails raised.
In some areas, coyotes are solitary except for breeding season. In other areas, coyotes form social groups. The size of the typical prey of the area correlates to the frequency of pack structure—larger prey requires social groups. Coyotes are nocturnal, but can be seen on occasion during the day. While hunting, coyotes can reach speeds of up to 43 mph, and can jump over 13 ft.
Coyotes mate from late January to early April, and may remain with a partner for several years. Gestation takes approximately 2 months, and an average litter produces 6 pups (though may be as few as 1 or as many as 19). Pups are born blind, and with limp ears. After about 10 days, their eyes open and ears begin to resemble their parents. Young coyotes are fed regurgitated food from their parents.
Coyotes use a variety of vocalizations for communication. Howls (long rising and falling notes) indicate location to other coyotes, short barks are used as danger warnings, yips are used for welcoming members into a pack, growls establish dominance, whimpers help males and females establish bonds with on another, and puppies are summoned with high-pitched barks. Coyotes also urinate and defecate on stumps, bushes, or rocks to mark territory.
Niche
Coyotes primarily eat small mammals such as rabbits, squirrels, and mice. Occasionally, birds, snakes, or large insects will find their way into a coyote's diet. Coyotes prefer fresh meat, but will frequently eat carrion. The widespread success of coyotes can be attributed to their willingness to eat almost anything. Coyotes tend to stalk and pounce on small prey, but require help from other coyotes to fell larger prey. In fall and winter months, coyotes consume significant quantities of plants, such as fir, cedar, sarsaparilla, berries and fruits.
Predators of coyotes include mountain lions, grey wolves, black bears, grizzly bears, and humans. Young coyotes are sometimes attacked by golden eagles.
Sometimes coyotes will form symbiotic hunting relationships with badgers. Badgers are skilled diggers, and can effectively pursue rodents underground. Coyotes are more effective chasing down rodents above ground. Together, the badgers and coyotes can catch the prey whichever escape route they choose.
Since bobcats and coyotes prefer similar prey, competition occurs in areas where both are found. Coyotes will occasionally kill bobcats in areas of overlap. Jackals in Eurasia and Africa fill the same ecological niche that coyotes do in the Americas.
Coyotes primarily eat small mammals such as rabbits, squirrels, and mice. Occasionally, birds, snakes, or large insects will find their way into a coyote's diet. Coyotes prefer fresh meat, but will frequently eat carrion. The widespread success of coyotes can be attributed to their willingness to eat almost anything. Coyotes tend to stalk and pounce on small prey, but require help from other coyotes to fell larger prey. In fall and winter months, coyotes consume significant quantities of plants, such as fir, cedar, sarsaparilla, berries and fruits.
Predators of coyotes include mountain lions, grey wolves, black bears, grizzly bears, and humans. Young coyotes are sometimes attacked by golden eagles.
Sometimes coyotes will form symbiotic hunting relationships with badgers. Badgers are skilled diggers, and can effectively pursue rodents underground. Coyotes are more effective chasing down rodents above ground. Together, the badgers and coyotes can catch the prey whichever escape route they choose.
Since bobcats and coyotes prefer similar prey, competition occurs in areas where both are found. Coyotes will occasionally kill bobcats in areas of overlap. Jackals in Eurasia and Africa fill the same ecological niche that coyotes do in the Americas.
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