Fauna
Mammal

Coyote

Canis latrans

Also known as American Jackal, Prairie Wolf, Brush Wolf

Coyotes are highly adaptable wild canids famous for their chorus of nighttime howls, yips, and barks used to mark territory and locate pack members. They live in flexible social structures ranging from solitary hunters to tightly knit family packs led by a breeding pair. Occupying almost every ecosystem across North America, these resilient omnivores play a vital role in keeping rodent populations in check.

AdaptableNocturnalCanid
Coyote reference1 / 7
Yathin S Krishnappa / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyMice and Voles, Eastern Cottontail, White-tailed Deer Fawn
Predators
  • Gray Wolf
  • Cougar
  • Human
ThreatsVehicle collisions, retaliatory killing, habitat fragmentation
HabitatsDeserts, grasslands, forests, swamps, suburban neighborhoods, urban areas
Life span10–14 years in the wild
Classification
  1. OrderCarnivora
  2. FamilyCanidae
  3. GenusCanis
  4. SpeciesCanis latrans
Range & activity
Native
Safe observation
Interaction riskModerate
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is moderate
May act defensively if habituated or near dens; keep pets leashed and maintain distance.
Why it is dangerous
Can carry rabies and tapeworms, and habituated individuals may defensively bite humans or attack small domestic pets.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognized by bushy black-tipped tails carried low, pointed ears, narrow snouts, and grayish-brown coats.
What to do
Never approach or feed coyotes, keep distance, and haze curious individuals by making loud noises and standing tall.
Responsible observation
  • Pet Safety: Keep small dogs on a short leash and keep cats indoors, especially between dusk and dawn.
  • Hazing Techniques: Make noise, wave your arms, or blow a whistle if one approaches to maintain its wild fear of humans.
  • Food Management: Secure trash cans and never leave pet food outdoors to prevent habituation.
Related species
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Urban Dwellers

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