About Coyotes
Coyotes are canines closely related to gray wolves. They are much smaller than wolves, only reaching a maximum of about 50 pounds. Much like their wolf cousins they can run up to 40 miles per hour but prefer to keep a slower steady pace which they can maintain for several hours.
They live in very tight family groups. Unlike their wolf cousins they often hunt alone. In spring the mother coyote dens and will have a litter of 3 to 12 pups in April or early May. Coyotes will make their dens in rocky crevices or the dens of other animals, they do not usually dig their own. Both the parents protect and feed the young. The pups are able to hunt on their own by that fall.
Coyotes in the Wild
Habitat
They are highly adaptable animals and have been successful in a wide range of habitats such as forests, deserts, swamps and even suburban settings.
Location
Most of Central and North America
Diet
They are opportunistic omnivores, which means they will eat just about anything they can get hold of, from berries and various furry animals to our trash.
Population Status
Due to their highly adaptable nature, IUCN lists the coyote as “least concern.”
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