Name: Coyote (Canis latrans)

Reproduction: Usually a litter of about 6 pups are born in the early spring and both parents provide care for the young.

Diet: Rodents, rabbits and carrion comprise the majority of the diet but this opportunistic feeder also eats birds, insects and even garden vegetables.

Species Information:

These intelligent animals have adapted to virtually all habitat types throughout North America and have even been found in Central Park in New York City. One of the reasons is the coyote’s resourceful and opportunistic feeding habits. Basically it survives on whatever food is available, squirrels, mice, frogs, berries, garbage, vegetable gardens and even pets. They are very clever and have even been known to follow ravens in search of carrion.

Unfortunately this resourcefulness is largely the reason coyotes have such a bad name. As mentioned above they will take small dogs and cats and also livestock. To prevent this, people must take steps to keep their animals safe. As coyotes will continue to be a part of our landscape, we must respond appropriately. Keeping small pets indoors, particularly during the evening hours and early morning, and also removing attractions such as pet food and garbage are some ways to coexist with coyotes. For more information visit the human-wildlife conflict section.

It has become well documented that efforts to “control” and eliminate coyotes are pointless. Everything from hunting, trapping and poisoning have proven unsuccessful in the long term. This is a prime example of the need for humans to better understand wildlife and how to coexist.

Studies show coyotes are a keystone species in contributing to healthy ecosystem. As an apex species coyotes help to keep populations of smaller mammals in check. Removing coyotes from a habitat creates a huge imbalance that threatens ecological stability.

Living with Wildlife - Coyotes - Part I
Living with Wildlife - Coyotes - Part II
Living with Wildlife - Coyotes - Part III