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Mammal
Coyote
Canis latrans
Family: Canidae Order: Carnivora Class: Mammalia
DISTRIBUTION, ABUNDANCE, AND SEASONALITY
Common to abundant, permanent resident throughout the state (Grinnell et al. 1937).
Occurs in almost all habitats and successional stages to elevations as high as 3000 m
(9840 ft. and also in large cities such as Los Angeles (Bekoff 1999). Frequents open
brush, scrub, shrub, and herbaceous habitats, and may be associated opportunistically
with croplands. Also found in younger stands of deciduous and conifer forest and
woodland with low to intermediate canopy, and shrub and grass understory.
SPECIFIC HABITAT REQUIREMENTS
Feeding: An omnivorous opportunist. Eats primarily mice, rats, ground squirrels,
gophers, lagomorphs, and carrion (Ferrel et al. 1953, Bekoff 1977). Takes some insects,
reptiles, amphibians, fruits, and occasionally birds, their eggs, and deer fawns. Locally,
some may take sheep and domestic fowl. Searches and pounces, stalks and chases, and
may dig out prey. Hunts either solitarily, in pairs, or in small packs (family groups). Favors
open habitats where it can chase down prey.
Cover: Brushy stands of vegetation, natural cavities, and suitable soil for the excavation
of dens provide cover.
Reproduction: Will use natural cavities in rocky areas, hollow trees and logs, caves and
holes. Also will dig dens, usually on brushy, south-facing slopes.
Water: Drinking water required.
Pattern: Suitable habitat is characterized by interspersions of brush and open areas, with
free water.
SPECIES LIFE HISTORY
Activity Patterns: Active yearlong. Mostly crepuscular and nocturnal, occasionally diurnal.
Seasonal Movements/Migration: Non-migratory. Movements vary with season. Often
follows roads, trails fence lines, paths.
Home Range: Bekoff (1977) reported home ranges of 8-80 km˛ (3-31 mi˛). Home ranges
of males overlapped considerably, but those of females did not. In Sierra County, home ranges
varied from 10-100 km˛ (4-39 mi˛) (Hawthorne 1971). Movements varied according to
season.
Territory: Territoriality not substantiated (Bekoff 1977).
Reproduction: In California, mates from January to March. Gestation is about 63 days.
Most young are born from March through May. One litter/yr of 5-6 average, ranging from
1-11, or more (Bekoff 1977). Young weaned at 5-7 wk, and leave parents at 6-9 mo (Bekoff
1977). Most males and females breed first in second yr. Pairs tend to remain together for
yrs.
Niche: Coyotes are adaptable predators, found in most open habitats. They are tolerant
of human activities, and adapt and adjust rapidly to perturbations and changes in their
environment. Widespread efforts to control or reduce coyote numbers largely are
unsuccessful (Connolly and Longhurst 1975, Bekoff 1977, 1978). They remain common to
abundant throughout much of the state.
Golden eagles,
great horned owls, and
mountain lions
occasionally may kill coyotes. Coyotes host various ectoparasites and endoparasites,
and occasionally may carry rabies.
Source:
CDFW California Wildlife Habitat Relationships. Accessed [N/A]
https://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CWHR
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The desert's most successful opportunist is the coyote. Its skill as
a hunter for anything that can be swallowed ensures this
omnivore's survival.
The coyote's diet may include insects,
lizards,
snakes,
birds,
rodents,
rabbits, carrion, fruit, nuts,
grass, or
tortises
along with just about anything else that can be chewed or torn.
Coyotes are famous for their howling but also bark when excited.
They hold their tail between their legs while running, and can reach
speeds of 40 mph.
Coyote Gallery
Also see >
Mammal:
Predator:
Omnivore:
Nocturnal:
Diurnal
Habitat:
Desert Wash
Wildlife Watching *
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The Desert Food Chain *
Everything has its niche. Who eats what, and what eats who in the desert?
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