Overview

The coyote is North America's most versatile predator: smaller than a wolf, larger than a fox, and capable of thriving almost anywhere rabbits and rodents can be found. Once confined largely to the Great Plains and deserts, coyotes have expanded into every US state including urban centres.

Coyotes hunt alone, in pairs, or occasionally in small groups, eating everything from mice and deer fawns to fruit and garbage. Their high-pitched yips and howls at night — often mistaken for wolves — are contact calls between family members.

Habitat

Prairies, deserts, farmland, forest edge, and urban parks all hold coyotes. They den in brush piles, culverts, and hillsides, and become most visible at dawn and dusk when commuting across open ground.

Countries found

Coyote in United States

Interesting facts

01
Coyotes have expanded into cities — they thrive wherever rabbits and rodents live.
02
They can run up to 65 km/h and are strong swimmers.
03
Urban coyotes often live in family groups with a breeding pair and helper offspring.

Conservation status

LC — Least Concern

Coyotes are Least Concern and increasing in range and number despite widespread hunting and control programmes. Their adaptability makes them one of the continent's most successful carnivores.