The coyote is a member of the dog family, and is actually very closely related to the domesticated dog. They are native to North America and are only found within North America, and usually travel in small packs. Coyotes can be various colors, but are usually their coats are a whitish grey or light red color. Typically, they are nocturnal and hunt at night, although they can also be spotted looking for prey during the day. They mostly eat small mammals and rodents such as mice, rabbits, shrews, and small foxes.
Coyotes are omnivores which mean they also eat plants. Some examples of plants eaten by coyotes are various fruits, grasses, and vegetables like berries and cabbage. The howling sound heard by coyotes is a form of communication that is usually exhibited during mating season. Their calling card is very high pitched and usually followed by some barking or yipping sounds. Coyotes are monogamous, meaning they find a partner for life. Together, the coyotes raise families of pups, usually taking care of their babies until they reach the age of one year. Coyotes are very resilient, and can be found in many areas in the United States.
In 2006, a coyote was spotted in New York’s Central Park, and Chicago claims to have over 2,000 of them living within the city area alone. The coyote is a very adaptable animal that is able to adjust to almost any living condition, making it one of the most resilient animals on the planet. The coyote is often a subject of Native American stories and legends, and he is usually a character that is a sort of trickster, although in some cases the coyote is revered as a hero. This wonderful animal is a beautiful part of the wild landscape in America, and a real testament to the preservation of our natural world.