Coyote

Coyotes are characterized by large triangular ears and a long, broad muzzle. The Coyote has grayish-brown to yellowish-brown fur on its head and whitish fur on its underparts. It has a black nose, yellow eyes and a long, hairy tail. Coyotes normally grow to between 30–34 in (76-86cm) in length with their tail adding an additional 12-16 in (30-41cm). They range between 23-26in (58-66cm) shoulder height and weigh between 15-46lb (6.8-21kilograms). Northern Coyotes are known to be larger than the southern subspecies. The easiest method of differentiating the Coyote from wolves and dogs is to pay attention at its tail when running. When running, Coyotes run with their tails on the ground, whereas dogs normally run whilst raising their tails high and wolves move fast with their tails stuck out.

 

Habitat

 

Coyotes are common in habitats that have fields, plains and very bushy areas. They are widely found in many areas of the United States, except for Hawaii. They can also be found in Mexico, Central America and most parts of Canada.

 

Diet

 

The Coyote hunts at night on a diet made up predominantly of mammals, but it also eats birds and snakes. During a hunting mission, it stands calm and motionless, with stiffened legs, and then attacks its prey by making a surprise launch. It likes to feed on fresh kill, but it will also eat carrion. In the fall and winter, it may also eat fruits, berries and some vegetables.

 

Meat

 

The taste of Coyote meat can be likened to that of tender beef and it has a unique aroma, a little similar to lamb.

 

Behavior

 

Coyotes are well known for making their dens in logs, rocky crevices or other animals' caves. They normally don't make their own den. Instead, they search for an abandoned den that belonged to a fox or a badger and then expand it.

 

Coyotes mate between the months of February and April. Both male and female coyotes join together in pairs and mate for several years although females are known to mate with several males. She gives birth an average of 6 pups two months after mating. The pups are born blind with floppy ears. After ten days, their eyes open and they begin to explore their den after a period of about three to four weeks. A month later, they are weaned. Both parents feed the pups when they are fully weaned, on regurgitated food. After six to nine months, the male pups are now in a position to leave their mother but the females choose to remain in the care of their mother. In the wild, Coyotes are known to live for a maximum of ten years whereas they can reach eighteen years of age in captivity. The Coyote is known to produce a variety of sounds including whines, howls, yips, barks and growls. It normally howls for long in a bid let other members of the pack know its exact location. As a danger warning, it uses short barks to alert others. They also yip when welcoming a new member into their pack. Other sound varieties include growls when asserting dominance, whimpering and whining when mating and high-toned barks to get the puppies' attention.