COYOTE

Canis latrans

It is a member of the dog family and the Native Americans call it "little wolf" and “God’s dog”. Its name “coyote” comes from the Aztec word "coyotl." Its scientific name Canis latrans means, “barking dog”.

The coyote was originally native only to the prairies and arid west but as the human population grew and spread across the country, the landscape was altered, predators such as the wolf and grizzly bear were almost decimated and the coyote began to thrive from coast to coast.

The coyote has the appearance of a medium-sized dog or a small German Shepherd and has a bushy tail tipped with black. Most are grey, but some show rust or brown coloration. It is digitigrade, which means it walks with only its toes touching the ground.

The coyote is omnivorous and eats fruits, grasses, and vegetables along with insects, reptiles, small mammals and carrion.