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Canis latrans In many Native American cultures, the crafty Coyote was known as a "Little Wolf." He played an important role in their culture and legends, especially among the cultures of the Desert Southwest. Range The Coyote is found all through western North America, eastern Alaska, the New England area and in Mexico. It has adapted to human presence and recently has even extended its range. Habitat The coyote can be found from all the zones of the Desert Southwest to the highest mountain ranges, but he is usually found on open plains, in grasslands and and on high mesas. The Coyote is one of the few wild animals whose cries are often heard. At night, Coyotes howl with a high quavering cry as well as make a series of quick high-pitched yips. Sometimes at first the listener may experience a touch of fear, but eventually the howl of the Coyote is concidered a wilderness song. Description

The Coyote is a member of the dog family. In size and shape the Coyote can be compared to a medium-sized Collie with a round and bushy tail carried straight out.

The coyotes found in low desert areas weigh only around 20 pounds. Those in the mountains can weigh up to 50 pounds. Desert Coyotes are light gray or tan with a black tip on the tail. Coyotes in high elevations have darker, thicker and longer fur with their under parts are almost white. Some coyotes have a white tip on their tails. In winter the coats of coyotes in the mountains become long and silky and trappers hunt them for their fur.

Life Cycle

Coyotes usually dig their own dens, but will sometimes enlarge badger holes or fix up natural holes in rocky ledges to suit their needs. Dens are usually hidden, but easy to locate because of trails that lead to and from the den.

The male and female desert Coyotes travel together before they mate in January or February. The female bears one litter of 3-9 puppies each year, usually in April or May. The gestation period is 63-65 days. While the male coyote helps support the family by regurgitating food, the female does not allow him in the den.

The pups' eyes open within 14 days. They live and play in the den until they are 6-10 weeks old. The mother then starts taking them on group hunts. The family eventually disbands, and by autumn the pups are will hunt alone. Within a year, they will bo on their own, staking out their territory, marking it with urine.

Habits

Studies indicate that in the desert area and low foothills, Coyotes occupy a range of no more than 10-12 square miles but in the mountains they probably have both a summer and winter range, as heavy snows will drive them to lower elevations.

Coyotes do not hibernate. They travel over their range and hunt day and night, running swiftly to catch their prey. Their diet varies and they seem to be able to exist on whatever the is in the area. Coyotes eat both meat and fish, either fresh or spoiled, and even fruits and vegetables and will even raid a farmer's melon patch.

Although the Coyote has been seen killing livestock such as sheep and poultry, they do not subsist on domestic animals. Studies show that its principle diet is deer, rabbits, ground squirrels, other small rodents, insects, and even reptiles and wild fruits and berries.

Coyotes have a good sense of smell, vision and hearing which enable them to survive both in the wild and in the city suburbs. They are common in rural areas, but because of their secretive nature, are seldom seen. Efforts to exterminate the coyote has produced an animal that is very alert and wary and well able to maintain itself.

Current Status

Coyotes have long been one of the most controversial of non-game animals. Agricultural interests have urged control so actual as well as potential livestock losses may be eliminated. Since 1891, when the first control programs were begun in California, nearly 500,000 Coyotes have been destroyed at a cost of around $30 million of the taxpayers' money.

Environmentalists firmly believe that the Coyotes are necessary to preserve the balance of nature. Some sportsmen feel the Coyote is responsible for the declines in game species. Biologists agree that individual animals that prey on livestock and poultry should be destroyed but that the species as a whole is actually helpful, because of a diet made up of destructive rodents. Biologists also agree that coyote populations have no lasting effect on wildlife populations. But the controversy rages on.

Coyotes have recently been classified as non-game animals in California and may be taken throughout the year under the authority of a hunting license. Meanwhile, despite the constant hunting and efforts to reduce the coyote population, on a quiet night the song of the "Little Wolf" can still be heard throughout the Desert Southwest.

ICT

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