|
Order: Canavora, Family: Canidae
Genus: Canis, Species: latrans,
Body Length: 3 feet 3 inches to 4 feet 5 inches
Tail Length: 16 inches
The coyote is a species in the family canidae which is native to North America. It is smaller than the gray wolf, which is a close relative, but only slightly smaller than the eastern wolf and red wolf which are both smaller subspecies of the gray wolf.
The coyote fills an ecological niche in North America much like the golden jackal does in Eurasia. The coyote is quite predatory and was once referred to as the American jackal. Also, the coyote has been called the prairie wolf and the brush wolf.
The coyote has 19 recognized subspecies.
Range
Because of its wide distribution and abundance throughout North America, the coyote is listed as least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The coyote populations are also abundant southwards through Mexico and into Central America.
For the first time, in 2013, the coyote was sighted in eastern Panama which is across the Panama Canal from their home range.
Habitat
The coyotes are found in a wide variety of habitat types, which includes: sagebrush-steppe, woodlands, prairies, deserts, oak savannahs, subalpine forests, alpine meadows, open ponderosa pine forests, and temperate rain forests.
The species is so versatile, that it is able to adapt to and expand into environments modified by humans and has been enlarging its range by moving into urban areas in the eastern U.S. and Canada.
Description
Coyotes have sharp pointed ears which never drop, a sharp pointed nose, and long bushy tails.
Coyotes vary anywhere from 15-50 pounds and have a lifespan of nearly 15 years which is similar to that of the house dog. A coyote can get to be nearly five feet long including the tail. Smaller coyotes found in desserts and low lying areas usually weigh at about 20 pounds, unlike the mountain coyote who can weigh up to 50 pounds. These coyotes are in more danger because they are hunted for their darker and thicker furs.
The fur color is predominantly light gray and red or fulvous (dull brownish yellow) interspersed with black and white, however, colors varies somewhat with geography.
| 
