Mammal
Northeastern Coyote
Canis latrans thamnosAlso known as Eastern Coyote, Brush Wolf, Prairie Wolf, American Jackal
Northeastern coyotes are highly adaptable canids that thrive in a mix of forests, agricultural fields, and suburban landscapes. They communicate through a complex repertoire of high-pitched yips, howls, and barks, which often make a small pack sound like a much larger group. These intelligent predators live in close-knit family units led by an alpha pair, playing a vital role in controlling rodent populations.
NocturnalAdaptableCanid
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyWhite-tailed Deer, Meadow Vole, Eastern Cottontail
Predators
- Gray Wolf
- Cougar
- Human
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, vehicle collisions, and hunting
HabitatsForests, grasslands, agricultural fields, and suburban areas
Life span10 to 14 years in the wild
Classification
- FamilyCanidae
- SpeciesCanis latrans thamnos
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskModerate
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is moderate
- Can carry rabies and may bite if habituated; keep a safe distance and never feed them.
- Why it is dangerous
- Capable of delivering a defensive bite if cornered, habituated, or defending a den, and can carry rabies, mange, or ticks.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for a dog-like silhouette with a bushy, black-tipped tail held low, pointed ears, and a narrow snout.
- What to do
- Never feed or approach; stand tall and use loud noises to haze any coyote that gets too close.
Responsible observation
- Hazing: If a coyote approaches too closely, make loud noises, wave your arms, or throw small objects to maintain their fear of humans.
- Secure Attractants: Keep pet food indoors and secure trash cans to prevent habituation.
- Leash Pets: Always walk dogs on a leash, especially during the spring pup-rearing season.
Competitor User:Mas3cf / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Competitor "Red Fox" by Mike's Birds is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/. · cc-by-sa
Close Relative "11276F, Red Wolf Healthcare and Education Center" by Red Wolf Recovery Program is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/. · cc-by
Close Relative M. Rehemtulla / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
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