Fauna
Mammal

Mountain Coyote

Canis latrans lestes

Also known as Rocky Mountain Coyote, Sierra Coyote, Brush Wolf, Prairie Wolf

Mountain coyotes are larger and possess thicker, darker, and more reddish-tinted winter coats than their lowland desert counterparts to withstand harsh alpine winters. These highly vocal canids communicate across rugged canyons with a complex repertoire of high-pitched yips, barks, and long, mournful howls. They play a vital ecological role by regulating rodent and lagomorph populations across high-elevation forests and meadows.

VocalAdaptableCarnivore
Mountain Coyote reference
(c) Kalvin Chan, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Kalvin Chan · cc-by
—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preySnowshoe Hare, Montane Vole, Mule Deer Fawns
Predators
  • Cougar
  • Gray Wolf
  • Grizzly Bear
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, rodenticide poisoning, and human conflict
HabitatsMontane forests, subalpine meadows, shrublands, and alpine tundra
Life span6 to 8 years in the wild
Classification
  1. FamilyCanidae
  2. SpeciesCanis latrans lestes
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskModerate
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is moderate
Can deliver a defensive bite if cornered or habituated; maintain a safe distance and never feed them.
Why it is dangerous
Capable of inflicting deep puncture wounds when cornered or defending a den, and can carry rabies or sarcoptic mange.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for a medium-sized canine with a bushy, black-tipped tail held low, pointed ears, and a thick, grizzled grey-brown coat.
What to do
Never approach or feed coyotes; stand tall, make loud noises, and secure all food and pets to prevent habituation.
Responsible observation
  • Hazing: If a coyote approaches too closely, make yourself look large, wave your arms, and shout loudly to reinforce their natural fear of humans.
  • Leash Pets: Keep dogs on a short leash in coyote territory to prevent defensive territorial conflicts, especially during spring denning season.
  • Secure Attractants: Store food, trash, and pet food in wildlife-proof containers to avoid drawing coyotes into campsites or residential areas.
Related species
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