Coyote

The Coyote, scientific name: Canis lantrans is a medium sized member of the canine family. Coyotes live throughout the United States in most climates and areas. Coyotes found in valleys and deserts are typically smaller than mountain dwelling coyotes. Mountain dwelling coyotes weigh around 50 lbs whereas desert/valley dwelling coyotes weigh around 20 lbs.

Coyotes are vocal creatures and keep in touch using yelps, yips and howls. Coyotes are also equipped with heightened senses of hearing and smell. Since they are occasionally scavengers, smell plays an important roll in their livelihood. Coyotes do not delight in carrion alone but also eat small mammals, reptiles, insects and fruit.

Coyotes are so incredibly adaptable that they are able to change their breeding cycle as well as habitat. Coyotes typically have 2-12 pups when they breed, however, only 5-20% of these pups will survive their first year.

Interesting fact about the Coyote: The Coyote is a digitigrade meaning that they walk only on their toes.