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COYOTE

Canis latrans

By Vicki Hammond

Horticultural Program Assistant

Originally found in the northwest corner of the US, coyotes have now adapted to all parts of North America, including Canada, the US, and Mexico. They have even begun migrating into Central America. The need for space has forced these animals to adapt to changes in environment and lifestyle.

The coyote, or “little wolf” as called by Native Americans, is a member of the dog family. The common name coyote comes from the Aztec word “coy oti.” A definite meaning of the Aztec word was not found but ”trickster” or “singing dog,” are possibilities. The Latin name Canis latrans does mean, “barking dog.”

A coyote resembles a small German Sheppard, with a round, bushy tail that hangs below back level, and is carried slightly outward. It stands between one and one half to two feet tall, forty-one to fifty-three inches long, and weigh from twenty to fifty pounds - males being larger than females. Other characteristics include pointy ears and snout, and a mottled color patterned fur ranging from black to reddish-blonde.

January and February are mating season for the coyote. They pair up and typically remain together for a number of years. The female selects and maintains the den. She usually digs her own, but sometimes chooses a naturally occurring hole or one abandoned by other animals. The gestation period is from 63 – 65 days. Their litter consists of one to twelve pups, born in April or May. The pups are born blind and helpless. Their eyes open around the 14^th day, and a few days later they begin to emerge from the den. They suckle for 5-7 weeks and begin eating semi-solid food after 3 weeks. The male helps provide food for the family but he is not allowed to come all the way into the den.

The pups remain in the den until they are 6 – 10 weeks old, at which time they begin to go out hunting with their parents. By the fall, the pups are hunting alone and within a year have gone out on their own (usually within ten miles) finding new territory and marking it with the scent of their urine. Between 50 to 70 percent of the young coyote will die before adulthood. 80 percent of these will die by human intervention.

Coyote are extremely intelligent and fast learners. This ability allows them to acclimate and thrive. They have a keen sense of hearing, excellent sight and smell. They feed on small mammals such as rabbits, rodents, opossums, squirrel, reptile, turkeys, birds, various insects and carrion (dead flesh). They either stalk their prey for twenty – thirty minutes before going in for the kill or they wear it down by chasing it over long distances. Coyote hunt small prey alone, but on occasion they will hunt in pairs or in a pack for larger animals.

As a rule, coyote are extremely shy and avoid contact with humans. However, because of the encroachment on their habitat, they are becoming more accustomed to human activity and urban settings. Although they rarely threaten human safety,due to their urbanization, coyote have begun to favor small pets as prey (especially cats).

To keep your pets safe:

Bring pets indoors during the night and keep them in through early morning (this is the coyote’s primary hunting time, although they will hunt in the daytime during young-rearing period or on long summer days).
If your pets must stay out, put up fencing to discourage coyotes but be aware coyotes can climb eight-foot fences.
Keep small livestock or poultry in enclosed or sheltered areas.
Notify neighbors of coyote sightings

A small part of the coyote’s diet is vegetative. They consume blackberries, blueberries, wild fruits & berries, persimmons, cantaloupe, watermelon, and various types of grasses.

To discourage coyote from your home:

· Keep garbage can lids on tightly.

· Bury fruits and vegetables in the compost pile.

· Clean up fallen fruit from under fruit trees.

· Don’t leave pet food out at night.

Coyotes communicate through howling, yelping, barking, and huffing. Howls are heard at night as one coyote keeps in touch with another. At first, the sound may arouse fear in the listener but to some it is the song of the West. Yelping signifies a celebration, criticism or play between pups or young coyote. Barking indicates a threat display as when a coyote is protecting a den or kill. Huffing is used for calling pups without making a great deal of noise.

Prevention is the best defense against the coyote. Understanding their culture will calm your fears, and a healthy respect for them will allow us to live together.

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