The Coyote
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The coyote is one of 8 species of the genus Canis. Four of these are jackals of Europe, Africa & Asia. Other members of the genus include the Gray Wolf (C. lupus), the Red Wolf (C. rufus) and all the breeds of the domestic dog (C. familiaris).
They originally resided in the Northwest United States. Over the years they have adapted to the changes in the country and have also broadened their range. There are now Coyotes throughout most of the United States, as well as parts of Canada and Mexico.
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. 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.
The Coyote is one of the most adaptable animals in the world, the coyote can change its breeding habits, diet and social dynamics to survive in a wide variety of habitats. Alone, in pairs or in packs, coyotes maintain their territories by marking them with urine. They also use calls to defend this territory, as well as for strengthening social bonds and general communication. Coyotes can easily leap an 8 foot fence or wall and can run up to 40 mph.
Coyote's can breed with domestic dogs as well as wolves, and will produce fertile offspring. Coyote and domestic dog offspring are called "coydogs". Only 5-20% of coyote pups survive their first year.
A coyote travels over its range and hunts both day and night, running swiftly and catching prey easily. It has a varied diet and seems able to exist on whatever the area offers in the way of food. Coyotes eat meat and fish, either fresh or spoiled, and at times eat fruit and vegetable matter and have even been known to raid melon patches.
Coyotes, if fed regularly by people, will come to depend on people for their food. They won't starve if you stop feeding them, but they will be hungry and unafraid of people. They can get very aggressive in approaching other people. Some of the national parks now have coyotes that are begging for food. Children and adults are being bitten by coyotes in California, Arizona and other states. The most danger is in urban areas where young coyotes have learned to steal and beg for food. If they can't find food, then the small animals in the neighborhood will become their targets to solve their need for food. Children will also be at risk of being bitten.
