Coyote Diet - Food & HuntingĪ coyote travels over its range and hunts both day and night, running swiftly and catching prey easily. In mountainous areas they probably have both a summer and winter range, as heavy snows drive them to lower elevations. Some studies indicate that in the desert, valleys and low foothills, coyotes occupy a range of no more than 10 or 12 square miles. Their natural habitat is open grassland, but they will move to wherever food is available. Coyote HabitatĬoyotes 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. Efforts to control or exterminate the coyote by predator control agents seem to have produced an animal that is extremely alert and wary and well able to maintain itself. They are common in most rural areas, but because of their secretive nature, few are seen. The coyote does not hibernate.Ĭoyotes have a good sense of smell, vision and hearing which, coupled with evasiveness, enables them to survive both in the wild and in the suburban areas of large cities. The coyote uses the den to birth its young and to sleep. Dens are usually hidden from view, but they're fairly easy to locate because of the trails that lead away from the den. They have been spotted climbing over a 14 foot cyclone fence.Īlthough the coyote usually digs its own den, it will sometimes enlarge an old badger hole or perhaps fix up a natural hole in a rocky ledge to suit its own needs. Coyotes can easily leap an eight foot fence or wall. They also use calls to defend this territory, as well as for strengthening social bonds and general communication. Huffing - is usually used for calling pups without making a great deal of noise.Īlone, in pairs or in packs, coyotes maintain their territories by marking them with urine.The bark is thought to be a threat display when a coyote is protecting a den or a kill. Bark - The scientific name for coyotes means "Barking dog," Canis latrans.Often heard during play among pups or young animals. Yelping - a celebration or criticism within a small group of coyotes.Please answer and let me know where you are so we don't have any unwanted conflicts.” Other males are invited to stay away but females are welcome to follow the sound of my voice. Also, an announcement that “I am here and this is my area. Howling - communication with others in the area.Sometimes, when it is first heard, the listener may experience a tingling fear of primitive danger, but to the seasoned outdoors man, the howl of the coyote is truly a song of the west. Howls are used to keep in touch with other coyotes in the area. At night coyotes both howl (a high quavering cry) and emit a series of short, high-pitched yips. The coyote is one of the few wild animals whose vocalizations are commonly heard. Sightings now commonly occur in Florida, New England and Canada.Ĭoyote FAQs | Coyote Attacks on People Vocalization It originally ranged primarily in the northwest corner of the US, but it has adapted readily to the changes caused by human occupation and, in the past 200 years, has been steadily extending its range. The ubiquitous coyote is found throughout North America from eastern Alaska to New England and south through Mexico to Panama. The desert coyote in contrast, has a tan or light grey coat, with a black-tipped tail.ĮBook on the Coyote - Kindle - iPad-iPhone Coyote Information Coyote Geography - Range Trappers hunt them in winter as their fur becomes more full, longer and silkier as temperatures drop. Low desert and valley coyotes weigh much less than mountain ones, only about 20 pounds, compared to the latter, which can reach up to a 50 pound weight.Ĭoyotes found in mountainous regions have a coat that is bushier than their desert cousins, and have longer, darker hair. Their rounded, bristly tails are usually held straight and aligned slightly below the plane of their backs. A coyote looks a little like a collie dog, and indeed, coyotes are members of the dog family, Canidae.
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