Coyotes – 30 Cool Facts, Info & Pictures

Unveiling the mysteries of wildlife often leads us to discover not only the power and beauty of nature but also its infinite wisdom. Among the diverse array of creatures that inhabit our planet, the coyote stands out as a symbol of both resilience and adaptability.

Often seen as just a nocturnal howler hidden in the shadows of North America, there’s so much more to learn about these fascinating animals. In this article, we journey into the life of the coyote, unearthing thirty amazing facts about these resourceful survivors.

From their unique family dynamics to their clever hunting tactics, each revelation will leave you with a greater appreciation for these incredible creatures. So, let’s embark on this exploration together, delving deep into the intriguing world of coyotes!

Essential Information About Coyotes

• Scientific name: family Ursidae
• Type of Animal: Mammal
• Size: Depends on the species – From 1-1.4 meters (40-55 in) for the sun bear, to 2.5-3 meters (8.2-9.9 feet) for the large polar bears.
• Weight: Depends on the species – From 25-65 kg (55-145 lbs) for the sun bear, to 350-700 kg (770-1,500 lbs) for the largest polar bears.
• Geographic range: North America (American black bear, brown bear), Europe (brown bear), Asia (sun bear, brown bear), the Arctic Ocean (polar bear), South America (spectacled bear), China (giant panda).
• Habitat: Forests, grasslands, steppes, the Arctic tundra, drift ice (polar bear)
• Diet: Depends on the species. The polar bear is mostly carnivorous, other species are omnivorous, and the giant panda feeds almost exclusively on bamboo.
• Predators: Mainly Humans for adult bears. Big cats and wolves may prey on bear cubs.
• Reproduction: They start breeding at around 4 years old, and females give birth to 1-4 cubs, every 2 to 4 years. Cubs are born during the first two months of hibernation, after delayed implantation (see facts below).
• Conservation status: Vulnerable, except for the Brown Bear and the Black Bear which are listed as “Least Concern”.

30 Amazing Facts About Coyotes

1. Coyotes are excellent swimmers: While they prefer to avoid water, coyotes are actually skilled swimmers. This ability allows them to hunt for aquatic prey and cross small bodies of water.
2. They are extremely adaptable: Coyotes can adapt to a variety of environments, from deserts and mountains to forests and grasslands. They’ve even adapted to urban environments, making homes in city parks and suburbs.
3. Coyotes can run fast: While they may not be as swift as a cheetah or a pronghorn, coyotes can reach speeds of up to 40 mph when chasing prey or fleeing danger.
4. Their diet is diverse: Coyotes are omnivores, meaning they’ll eat just about anything. Their diet includes small mammals, birds, snakes, fish, insects, fruit, grass, and even carrion.
5. Coyotes form strong family units: A typical coyote family consists of a mated pair and their offspring from the current and previous years. These family units work together to defend their territory and hunt for food.
6. Their howl has a purpose: The iconic howl of a coyote helps it communicate with pack members, assert its territory, and call its family together.
7. Coyotes mate for life: Once a coyote chooses a mate, they typically stay together for life, exhibiting strong loyalty and companionship.
8. They are primarily nocturnal: Coyotes are most active at dawn and dusk, but they can also be seen during the day. However, in areas with higher human activity, they tend to be more strictly nocturnal to avoid encounters.

9. Coyotes have a good sense of vision: While their sense of smell is more powerful, coyotes have excellent vision which aids them in hunting.
10. They are smaller than wolves: While often mistaken for their larger relatives, coyotes are noticeably smaller than wolves. They usually weigh between 20 and 50 pounds, while wolves can weigh up to 180 pounds.
11. Coyotes use a variety of vocalizations: Beyond howling, coyotes also yip, bark, and whine. Each vocalization serves a different purpose, from warning off intruders to communicating with their pack.
12. Their ears are highly sensitive: Coyotes have an acute sense of hearing, which allows them to detect prey and perceive threats, even under the cover of night.
13. Coyotes have few natural predators: Other than humans, adult coyotes have few predators, although they do need to protect their pups from eagles, bears, and other carnivores.
14. They can live in extreme temperatures: Coyotes are highly adaptable and can live in both extremely hot and cold environments, from the deserts of Mexico to the cold forests of Alaska.
15. Their population is widespread: Originally found in the western part of North America, coyotes have expanded their range and are now found from Alaska to Central America, thriving in rural and urban environments.
16. Coyotes are clever hunters: They have been known to use cunning hunting tactics, such as one coyote attracting the attention of a mother hen while another snatches the chicks.

17. They have a strong sense of smell: A coyote’s nose is its most powerful sense organ, and it can detect scents up to a mile away. This helps them find food, avoid danger, and track other animals.
18. Coyotes are not always loners: While they can often be seen hunting or traveling alone, coyotes are actually social animals. They typically live in family units or small groups, although their social structure can be flexible depending on the environment and availability of food.
19. Their lifespan is relatively short: In the wild, coyotes usually live between six and eight years, but they can live longer in captivity, with a few reaching up to 14 years.
20. Coyotes have a versatile coat: Their fur, which can be gray, white, tan or brown, helps them blend into different environments. It also provides insulation in colder regions.
21. They’ve been around for a long time: Coyotes have roamed North America for over 1 million years, adapting to changing climates and habitats over the millennia.
22. Coyotes play a crucial role in the ecosystem: By controlling populations of rodents and other small mammals, coyotes maintain a balance in the food chain.
23. They are quick learners: Coyotes have shown a remarkable ability to learn quickly, adapting to threats and changing their behavior to survive in various environments, including urban areas.

24. Coyotes are proficient diggers: They use this skill to dig dens for their pups, unearth hidden food, and also to escape when cornered.
25. They can breed with wolves and dogs: In some areas, coyotes have been known to interbreed with wolves and domestic dogs, creating hybrids known as “coywolves” and “coydogs.”
26. Coyotes have a gestation period of about 63 days: After this period, the female gives birth to a litter of three to twelve pups, depending on the availability of food.
27. Their name has Native American origins: The word “coyote” was derived from the Aztec word “coyotl,” which means “barking dog.”
28. Coyotes practice communal care: In a pack, all the adults participate in caring for the young. This includes feeding and guarding the pups from potential threats.
29. They have incredible stamina: While they can reach speeds of 40 mph, what truly sets coyotes apart is their endurance. They can run at a fairly quick pace for long distances without tiring.
30. Coyotes have been part of folklore and mythology: In many Native American traditions, the coyote is often portrayed as a trickster, embodying both cleverness and foolishness.

Other Articles About Coyotes

• Do Bears Eat Deer? How Often Does It Happen?
• Are Bears Related To Dogs? A Complete Answer