Coyote
A versatile North American canine, adaptable to human environments.
The coyote (Canis latrans) is a species of canine native to North America, also known as the American jackal, prairie wolf, and brush wolf. It is smaller than the gray wolf and slightly smaller than the eastern wolf and red wolf, filling much the same ecological niche as the golden jackal in Eurasia, though generally larger. Listed as least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature due to its wide distribution and abundance, the coyote is highly adaptable and has expanded into environments modified by humans, including urban areas. The species has 19 recognized subspecies, with size varying geographically; northern subspecies tend to grow larger than those in Mexico. Their fur is predominantly light gray and red or fulvous, interspersed with black and white, though high-elevation coyotes have more black and gray shades, while desert-dwelling ones are more fulvous or whitish-gray. The fur consists of short, soft underfur and long, coarse guard hairs, with northern forms having longer, denser coats. Coyotes have a bushy tail with an active supracaudal gland and a white facial mask; albinism is extremely rare. They are primarily carnivorous, feeding on deer, rabbits, rodents, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates, but may also eat fruits and vegetables. Socially flexible, they live in family units or loosely knit packs. Their characteristic howl changes rapidly in tone and pitch. Humans are their greatest threat, followed by cougars and gray wolves. While they do not mate with gray wolves in the wild, they interbreed with eastern and red wolves, producing coywolf hybrids. In northeastern North America, the larger eastern coyote subspecies results from historical and recent matings with various wolves. Genetic studies show most North American wolves contain some coyote DNA. The coyote is a prominent figure in Native American folklore, especially in Aridoamerica, where it is a trickster. In Mesoamerican cosmology, it symbolized military might. After European colonization, Anglo-American culture viewed it as cowardly and untrustworthy, and negative attitudes persist.
- Scientific name
- Canis latrans
- Average male weight
- 8 to 20 kg (18 to 44 lb)
- Average female weight
- 7 to 18 kg (15 to 40 lb)
- Total length range
- 1.0 to 1.35 m (3 ft 3 in to 4 ft 5 in)
- Number of subspecies
- 19
- Conservation status
- Least concern
- Primary threat
- Humans
Quick Facts
- Taxon
- Canis latrans
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The coyote is a canine species native to North America, smaller than the gray wolf and slightly smaller than the eastern and red wolves. It fills an ecological role similar to the golden jackal of Eurasia but is generally larger. The species is listed as least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature due to its wide distribution and abundance. Coyotes are highly adaptable, thriving in environments altered by humans, including many cities. In 2013, a coyote was sighted in eastern Panama for the first time, across the Panama Canal from its usual range. There are 19 recognized subspecies. The coyote’s fur is predominantly light gray and red or fulvous, interspersed with black and white, though color varies geographically. Northern subspecies have longer, denser fur, while some Mexican and Central American forms have bristly hair. Coyotes have a bushy tail with an active supracaudal gland, a white facial mask, and a sable coat as adults, with dark neonatal fur. Albinism is extremely rare. Compared to the gray wolf, the coyote has longer ears, a larger braincase, a thinner frame and muzzle, and smaller scent glands. Its fur color variation is less than a wolf’s, and it carries its tail downward when running or walking, unlike the wolf’s horizontal tail. Coyote tracks are more elongated and less rounded than dog tracks, and their upper canines extend past the mental foramina. The species is highly flexible in social organization, living in family units or loose packs. Its diet is primarily carnivorous, including deer, rabbits, rodents, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates, with occasional fruits and vegetables. Its howl changes rapidly in tone and pitch. Humans are the greatest threat, followed by cougars and gray wolves. Coyotes interbreed with eastern and red wolves, producing coywolf hybrids, and genetic studies show most North American wolves contain some coyote DNA.
Reader's Guide
The coyote's significance lies in its remarkable adaptability and ecological role across North America. It is highly flexible in social organization, living either in family units or loosely knit packs of unrelated individuals. Primarily carnivorous, its diet includes deer, rabbits, hares, rodents, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates, with occasional fruits and vegetables. Its characteristic vocalization is a howl that changes rapidly in tone and pitch. The coyote interbreeds with eastern wolves and red wolves, producing 'coywolf' hybrids, and genetic studies show most North American wolves contain some level of coyote DNA. In Native American folklore, particularly in Aridoamerica, the coyote is a prominent trickster figure, using deception and humor to rebel against social conventions. In Mesoamerican cosmology, it was respected as a symbol of military might. After European colonization, Anglo-American culture viewed it as cowardly and untrustworthy, and attitudes remain largely negative, unlike the improved public image of wolves.
Did You Know?
- Coyotes have 19 recognized subspecies.
- The coyote was sighted in eastern Panama for the first time in 2013.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Coyote in the Canids And Hyaenids series?
The Coyote (Canis latrans) is a North American canine species occupying entry 1-24 in this fan encyclopedia. It is a mid-sized dog relative, smaller than gray wolves but generally larger than the golden jackal.
How big is a Coyote?
Adult males typically weigh between 8 and 20 kg, while females range from 7 to 18 kg. Total body length spans roughly 1.0 to 1.35 meters, placing it clearly below its larger wolf cousins.
What is the Coyote's conservation status?
The IUCN lists the Coyote as Least Concern, reflecting its enormous geographic range and population abundance across North America. None of its 19 recognized subspecies currently faces a realistic threat of extinction.
How does the Coyote fit into the broader canid family?
It fills a similar ecological role to the golden jackal in Eurasia, acting as a mid-sized generalist predator. With 19 recognized subspecies, it shows remarkable regional variation across its range.
Why do fans highlight the Coyote's adaptability?
Unlike many wild canids that avoid human settlement, the Coyote has actively expanded into cities and suburban areas. This flexibility makes it one of the most successful large mammals in the modern North American landscape.
More in Canids And Hyaenids 1-24
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