Coyote (canis latrans).

The coyote is a member of the dog family. It’s scientific name is canis latrans. There are nineteen subspecies of the coyote each with small differences in coloring or size. Originally inhabiting the southwestern region of the American continent, they have expanded their range as far north as Alaska and as far east as Maine. A true modern day success story. The animal gets slightly larger the further north it lives. Some of the largest coyotes, weighing in excess of 46 lbs, have been found living in and around towns and cities and are known to have achieved their size by eating domestic pets such as small dogs and cats. They will gladly help themselves to any food left outside for someone’s pet. They are opportunistic and will eat almost anything.

They will breed with domestic dogs such as the German Shepard. The result is known as the coydog. The coyote’s trait’s are almost always dominant and this can be clearly seen in the coydog’s behavior. It is suspected that the larger size of northern coyotes results in part from breeding with domestic dogs. The denning season is between February and June with the female producing anywhere from one to six pups. The coyote is extremely intelligent and adaptable and thus known as the cunning trickster. Outside of the major cities, the coyote thrives, especially around land fills, garbage dumps or wherever humans live. Although there are few recorded instances of coyotes attacking humans, they have been known to threaten small children. The coyote communicates by howling. If you are using a predator call and the coyotes start howling, it usually means they are aware of your presence. Unless you have a coyote howler, you may as well find a new area to hunt.