HISTORY: Medium sized canid whose exact origin is still being debated. Originally found only in the southwest, migration began in the late 19th century and the species is now found in almost all of North America, including the entire eastern seaboard, and into parts of Central America. The “eastern” coyote has evolved to be slightly larger than those in the southwest.

HABITAT PREFERENCES: Although adaptable to almost any environment, seems to prefer open fields and grasslands. Seen less frequently in extremely thick wooded areas and seldom seen in rain forests of Central America. This species has adapted extremely well to heavily urbanized areas.

NUTRITIONAL HABITS: Omnivorous. Remarkable success of this species is due in no small part to its culinary diversification. Will prey, opportunistically, upon any small mammals and birds including small domestic animals. In some states, predation on sheep, usually lambs, causes some heavy losses. Will eat carrion. Dines heavily on most insects and some invertebrates. A major part of the diet is assorted vegetation including fruits, seeds and berries i.e. manzanita berries, mesquite beans, etc. This portion of the diet varies dramatically both seasonally and geographically.

Coyote cubs

REPRODUCTIVE HABITS: Monoestrus with ovulation occurring anytime from late January through early to mid-April. (Late February through March most common in California.) Gestation of 60-63 days. Litter size anywhere from 2-10 but 4-7 is average. Weaning begins at about 28-30 days with regurgitated food and is usually fully achieved at 37-40 days.

DISPERSAL BEHAVIOR: Has been occasionally noted to begin as early as 7-8 months but 10 months is average age. Many young remain with mother and in the immediate area through the following year's birthing season or longer. Times and extent of dispersals is directly contingent upon available food supply and species population density.

MORTALITY RATES/CAUSES: Mortality rate for the species in general is 40-70%. Mortalities among young (birth through dispersal) are generally a result of what we commonly refer to as the “natural selection process”. Upon the onset of weaning, weak or timid pups will get less or no food. They will either die or will be killed by dominant pups and will be consumed. Of those who do emerge from the den, some will be too weak or inept to “keep up” when nomadic behavior begins. They will die. Of those who reach dispersal age and actually begin dispersal behavior, losses will be high. A few “lucky” ones may be readily “recruited” into surrounding packs. Most will not. Some will wander, repeatedly chased away by “alphas” from other packs. Unable to find an area within which they might forage for food without constant molestation by others, they will weaken and die. Some may be too weak to flee or be too inept to “read” the posturing of aggressive alphas into whose territory they have entered. They will be set upon and killed. The coyote's only “natural” predator is the cougar but such predation, while occurring, is uncommon. For mature coyotes, persecution by humans is widely recognized as the most common cause of mortality.

GENERAL: Coyote “packs” consist of one or more generations of offspring from assorted pack members, less those who have dispersed plus those from other areas who have been “recruited”. This dispersal/recruitment cycle provides for genetic diversity. Except during birthing season when females utilize a den, this species is totally nomadic within their home range. Home ranges can extend up to 7 square miles but are usually smaller depending upon food supply. These animals are territorial. Intruders will either be chased from the area or be killed, usually by one or both of the alphas. Members of any given pack are seldom all together at the same time. Rather, they may forage individually or in small groups (3-5) within the home range. When foraging for actual prey species, the coyote is most active around sunset and sunrise when it's prey base may include both diurnal and nocturnal species. This animal is not religiously nocturnal. While certainly more active at night, where the cover of darkness will provide greater security when in urbanized areas, it is not a bit unusual to see coyotes out during the day.

Here at our facility we see large numbers of coyotes. They are treated largely for injuries caused by automobiles. We also receive many orphaned pups, which are raised and released when they have the skills necessary to survive in the wild. It is important when approaching an injured coyote not to get too close, as they will defend themselves. The best thing to do if you encounter an injured coyote is to call our facility at (760) 789-2324 and wait until one of our staff arrives. This assures us that we will find the animal if he tries to get away or if it's dark.

Related Links:

• Nebraska Wildlife-Coyotes
• Coyotes help endangered birds
• Coyotes in Cornfields