

Canis latrans
Order: Carnivora
Family: Canidae
Status: Valuable fur animal. Abundant. Unprotected
predator.
Identifying Characteristics: Like a medium-sized dog in
appearance. Nose more pointed and tail bushier than most dogs.
Larger than the red fox and much smaller than a wolf. Tail held down
between legs when running. Long, dense fur. pelt gray or
reddish-gray, with rusty legs, feet, and ears. Throat and belly
whitish. Total length: 43 to 53 inches. Weight: 30 to 40 pounds.
Habitat: Utilizes almost any habitat, including urban areas, where
prey is readily available. Prefers prairies, open woodlands, brushy or
boulder-strewn areas. Coyote abundance is tied to food availability.
Food Habits: Consumes a variety of foods and carrion. Will eat
almost anything, plant or animal. Emphasizes small mammals, fawns, plants,
birds, and invertebrates. During winter, often preys on deer.
Commonly preys on domestic sheep.
Life History: Mainly nocturnal, true scavenger, territorial.
Kills large animals by attacking the throat. Mated pars usually produce
pups each year, and both adults assist in care of the young. Den used for
rearing pups. Breeds from January to March; 60 to 63 day gestation; 4 to 7
pups in a typical litter.
Similar species: Wolves - larger, hold tail high when running.
Red fox - smaller, hold tail out straight when running. Dog, wolf/coyote,
coyote/dog, and wolf/dog crosses are also possible.
Further Information
