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Mammals: Coyote
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The coyote is one of the most adaptable animals in the world, able to change its diet, social dynamics, and even breeding patterns to survive in a variety of habitats. Versatile and smart, the coyote is called "the trickster" in Native American folklore. The coyote is a member of the dog family; while sometimes mistaken for a wolf, it is smaller and slimmer.
Coyotes are found throughout North America.
Coyotes eat almost anything -- fresh or spoiled. Coyotes are opportunistic predators and hunt small rodents; in packs, they may take down a young deer. Coyotes also eat fruits, vegetables, and fish.
Coyotes are less likely to form packs than wolves. They are nocturnal but can occasionally be seen during daylight hours. Coyotes defend territory by marking them with urine. Coyotes are the most vocal of all North American wild mammals using three distinct calls: squeaking, distress, and howling calls.
Coyotes can breed with domestic dogs and wolves. A dog and coyote mix is called a "coydog."
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Coyotes are one of the most controversial animals in North America. Many ranchers want to be rid of coyotes, blaming them for livestock deaths. Sportsmen blame coyotes for declines in game species. Since 1891, nearly 500,000 coyotes have been destroyed by taxpayer dollars, to the sum of $30 million. Despite "open season" on coyote hunting, these symbols of the American West are survivors and many people are seeking to protect them.
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