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The coyote is one of the few animals whose voice is often heard. Most animals won’t let you know that they are present, for fear of predators and desire to remain hidden from prey. Coyotes don’t care! They howl at night in a high, wavering cry, and they also let out short, high-pitched yips. They use their calls to communicate with their kin, and to defend their territory as well. Being so vocal hasn’t seemed to harm the coyote much, for their range is readily spreading, and they are considered to be one of the most adaptable animals in the world.

Coyotes originally were found in the northwest corner of the U.S., but have extended their range to include much of North America — including Alaska, Canada, New England and Florida — all the way down to southern Mexico and Panama.

The coyote’s success is a result of its flexibility; coyotes can change breeding habits, diet and social dynamics in order to adapt to a wide range of habitats. Their highly developed sense of smell allows them to detect prey and carrion from far away. Also, they are not too picky about what they eat: coyotes eat anything from rabbits, squirrels, cats, birds, sheep, small dogs, deer, rats, to insects and fish — dead or alive, fresh or spoiled. They also have been known to eat fruits and wild berries, or raid melon patches. And though they hunt alone to catch small prey, a coyote will team up with members of its pack to hunt larger animals like deer or ponies.

Tracking their prey with the keen sense of smell, coyotes will patiently stalk their victim for 20-30 minutes before pouncing. They have excellent physical stamina, and may exhaust prey by chasing them for so long. If you live in a rural area of North America, you may very well have coyotes in your midst. Though they resemble dogs, they are a much trickier breed, and must not be provoked. Keep pet food indoors, and keep an eye on cats and small dogs, because coyotes never forgo free food.

Coyotes vary in appearance according to the region in which they exist. They are a member of the dog family, and could pass for a medium sized shepherd. Desert roaming coyotes weigh about 20 pounds, whereas mountain dwelling coyotes can weigh up to 50 pounds, and have more luxurious coats. Some coyotes resemble Grey Wolves, but they carry their tails differently. Wolves carry their tails somewhat horizontally, and the coyote carries its tail in a downward position, though not between its legs. What if you mixed the two breeds? It is true that coyotes can breed with wolves and domestic dogs. A coyote-dog mix is called a “coydog.” Wonder what a coyote-wolf mix is called? A Colf? Woyote? Yip! Yip! Yip! Only they know for sure!