![]() Coyote pups weigh around 250 grams at birth and are blind and limp eared. Unfortunately, over half coyote pups do not survive to adulthood. The female coyote gestation period lasts 60 – 63 days after which a litter ranging from 1 – 19 pups are born (average is 6 pups). When the female finds the right partner, they remain monogamous (having one partner during a period of time) for a number of years. Female coyotes are monoestrous (having one estrous cycle per year) and remain on heat for 2 – 5 days. Coyote ReproductionĬoyote breeding season occurs between late January and late March. The average distance covered in a nights hunting is 4 kilometres (2 – 3 miles). Coyotes are persistent hunters, with successful attacks sometimes lasting from 14 minutes to about 21 hours. Larger prey such as ungulates are attacked from the rear by a pack taking turns to bait and pursue the animal to exhaustion. When prey is located, they stiffen and pounce on the prey like a cat. The calls are most common during mating season and in the autumn when pups leave to establish their own territories.Ĭoyotes have different hunting techniques whereby when hunting small prey they slowly stalk through grass and use their acute sense of smell to track down prey. Coyote calls are generally heard at dusk and at night but have been heard during the day. Coyotes were once diurnal animals but have adapted in becoming nocturnal due to human interference.Ĭoyotes can be heard more than they can be seen, Coyote calls are high pitched and are referred to as howls, yelps and barks. Coyote groups are referred to as either packs, bands or routs. Coyote packs consist of closely related adults, yearlings and pups. Coyotes usually hunt in pairs, however, they have been known to travel in large groups. Coyote BehaviourĬoyotes are fast animals and can reach speeds of up to 40 – 45 miles per hour and they can jump over 4 metres. Coyotes will also consume large amounts of carrion (animal carcasses), however, they do prefer fresh meat. Fruits and vegetables are a significant part of the coyotes diet in the autumn and winter months. As such, coyotes have been known to eat human rubbish and domestic pets. Part of the coyotes success as a species is its dietary adaptability. They feed upon a variety of prey such as voles, squirrels, birds, snakes, javelinas, lizards, deer, mice and livestock as well as large insects and other large invertebrates. Coyotes travel along fixed trails and have a territory range of up to 19 kilometres.Ĭoyotes are carnivores and have a 90% mammalian diet. Coyote HabitatĬoyotes are able to dig their own burrows but are more likely to take over and inhabit burrows made by badgers. Coyotes are digitigrades meaning they walk with only their toes touching the ground. The coyote has 5 digits on the forefeet, including the dew claw (remnants of a 5th digit) and 4 digits on the hind feet. Like domestic dogs, coyotes have sweat glands on their paws. Coyotes molt once a year starting in May and ending in July. Their tail has a scent gland situated on its’ dorsal base.Ĭoyotes have large ears even though they have a small head and their feet are small in comparison with the rest of their body. Coyotes have a tail with a black tip on the end. Their under fur is beige and they have long, black tipped guard hairs that form a black dorsal stripe and a dark cross on the shoulder area. They have reddish/brown forelegs, sides of head, muzzle and feet. Their throats and underparts are generally lighter in color, mostly white. Coyotes are known to reach their maximum size within their first year whereas wolves reach their maximum size in their second year.Ī coyotes fur varies in color from a greyish brown to a yellow/grey color. Coyotes in the north of their range are generally larger than southern species. They have a tail length of 40 – 60 inches which becomes bushy and is held horizontally when the Coyote displays aggression. Coyote DescriptionĬoyotes measure around 75 – 87 centimetres (30 – 34 inches) in length and weigh on average 7 – 21 kilograms (15 – 46 pounds). Other members of the genus include the Grey Wolf (Canis lupus), the Red Wolf (Canis rufus) and all the breeds of the domestic dog (Canis familiaris). Four of these are jackals of Europe, Africa and Asia. The coyote is one of 8 species of the genus Canis. The name ‘Coyote’ is from the Mexican Spanish language and its scientific name means ‘barking dog’. Coyotes also occur as far north as Alaska and Canada. Coyote The Coyote (Canis latrans) is also known as the Prairie Wolf and is found throughout North and Central America. ![]()
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