| Scientific Name
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Canis Iatrans
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| Classification
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Phylum Chordata, Class Mammalia, Order Carnivora, Family Canidae
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| Status
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Common
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| Range
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Found throughout North America
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Habitat
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Coyotes 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.
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| Diet
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Able to exist on whatever the area offers in the way of food. Coyotes eat meat, fish, either fresh or spoiled, and at times eat fruit and vegetable matter and have been known to raid melon patches.
Although the coyote has been observed killing domestic animals, it does not subsist on these. Food habit studies reveal that it's primary diet is composed of mice, rabbits, ground squirrels, other small rodents, insects, even reptiles, fruits, berries and wild plants.
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| Size
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Length with tail: 40-60".
Shoulder Height: 15-20".
Weight: 15-45 pounds
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| Lifespan
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15 yrs.
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| Location
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Print Fact Sheet
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Coyote
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Special Features
- The coyote is the cousin to the domestic dog and the wolf. It is native to the prairies and desert canyons of the West but circumstances have allowed them to extend their range. The coyote is a medium sized, slender, dog-like carnivore similar in appearance to the red wolf but smaller. Colors are usually pale, rarely black. The upper parts of the body are generally grayish or brown in color overlaid with black, tail with a black tip.
- The coyote's tail is used in threat displays. It becomes bushy and is held horizontally when the coyote displays aggression.
- Only 5-20-% of coyote pups survive their first year.
- The coyote can breed with both domestic dogs and wolves.
Social Structure & Behavior
The coyote's vocalization is to send messages among other coyotes. Howling is a communication that announces that the coyote is present and this is my area. It also sends a message that males are not welcome but females are and most coyotes will answer back letting the original coyote know where they are so there are no conflicts.
Yelping is a form of criticism or celebration within a small group. It is often heard among pups.
A bark is thought to be a threat display if it is protecting itself or a kill.
Huffing is usually a soft sound made to call the pups without making a great deal of noise.
Coyotes are one of the most adaptable animals in the world. The coyote can even change its breeding habits, diet and social dynamics to survive in a variety of habitats. They can be seen alone, in pairs or in packs. They maintain their territory by marking with urine. They also use vocalizations to defend their territory as well as for strengthening social bonds and general communication.
Breeding and Care of Young
The coyote's breeding season begins in January and several lone male coyotes gather around a female to court her, but she will form a relationship with only one of them.
The male and female may travel together before mating in late January or February. The female bears one liter of 3 to 9 puppies a year, usually in April or May when food is abundant. Gestation period is approximately 63 days or 9 weeks. Pups are born blind in their den but the eyes open up in approximately 14 days, and they emerge from the den a few days later. They continue to suckle for 5-7 weeks and start eating solid foods at approximately 3 weeks of age.
The male partner supports the family with regurgitated food but the mother does not ever allow him to come into the den.
The pups live and play in the den until they are approximately 6-10 weeks old and then the mother starts taking them out hunting. The family gradually disbands and by fall the pups are usually hunting alone. Within a year they go their own way, staking out their own territory and marking it with the scent of their urine.
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