Earths Wonders

Meet the coyote, or "little wolf" as the Native Americans call it, is a member of the dog family. It is the topic of many Native American folklore tales. Its name comes from the Aztec word "coyotl." Its scientific name is canis latrans" which means "barking dog." 

Coyote - Trickster. When we are being too serious about life Coyote may come along to teach us to laugh at ourselves. It is also the karmic enforcer, reminding us that whatever we do to others will be done to us.

Coyotes are found from Central America to the Arctic including all of Mexico, the United States and Canada.

Coyotes found in low deserts and valleys weigh about 20 pounds, less than half of their mountain kin, who can weigh up to 50 pounds.

Coyotes resemble a small collie dog in body and size, with pointed ears, a narrow muzzle and a bushy tail. They are mostly gray in color with a light gray to cream colored belly. Most have dark guard hairs on their back and tail. Desert Coyotes are light gray or tan with a black tip on the tail. Coyotes of high elevations have fur that is darker, thicker and longer; the under parts are nearly white, with some specimens having a white tip on the tail. In winter the coats of mountain Coyotes become long and silky, and trappers hunt them for their fur.

Coyote's bed in sheltered areas, but does not use dens except when raising young, during severe weather or when they are being chased. Dens will have an entrance about a foot in diameter and are usually holes that have been used first by another animal like badgers or foxes. They do not hibernate and are very active during the winter months.

Coyotes are most active at night, but are commonly seen out during the daytime as will. Coyotes eat ground squirrels, rabbits, mice and other rodent animals. They also eat birds, carrion, poultry and most other wild animals. They sometimes kill lambs, sheep, young livestock, deer and antelope. They are mostly opportunists and will kill and eat whatever is easiest to come by.