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.