The Coyote; Our Respected Quarry

In England and Ireland, the fox is the quarry of choice.  This is also true in the Eastern United States.  However, in Colorado, fox are not numerous.  Therefore, we hunt coyotes.  The coyote is larger, faster and more cunning than the fox. He presents a worthy challenge to hunters. 

The coyote is a member of the Canid family that includes both wolves and domestic dogs. The name "coyote" is derived from the Aztec word "coyotl." Coyote are now found throughout the United States (except Hawaii) and in most of Canada, but prior to 1900, coyotes were restricted to areas west of the Mississippi in the United States and the west of Ontario’s Lake Nipigon in Canada. There are 13 subspecies of coyotes in the United States, including the plains coyote (Canis latrans) which is what we primarily see in our country.

The coyote’s success is attributed to the decline of wolf populations and the coyote’s own ability to adapt. Coyotes have adjusted very well to human-disturbed environments, and now thrive in close proximity to people. Coyotes live statewide in Colorado and in many areas are quite common. They thrive despite widespread attempts to control or eradicate them because of their alleged attacks on livestock. Individuals may be very bold, coming to poorly managed garbage dumps where carcasses of poultry or livestock are discarded.

Physical Appearance

The coyote is distinguished by its long narrow snout, pointed ears and general dog-like appearance. The plains coyote is one of the larger subspecies, resembling the size and shape of a small shepherd dog; about 4 feet in length with a full, black-tipped tail 14 inches long. Their weight varies from 25 to 45 pounds, with males larger than females. The coyote's coat ranges in color with geography and season from pale grayish buff to rich reddish brown, and some near black. Coyotes in the southwest deserts are the smallest and the lightest in color, whereas those in the northern forests are the largest and darkest. Colorado plains coyotes are usually rust colored with white or gray throat and belly.

Habitat

The coyote's range has expanded over the last century. They are found in all habitats, ranging from grassland and deserts to urban areas and mountains. Coyotes are common in areas where rabbits, mice and gophers live. These may include lush range-lands or overgrazed pastures.

In order to provide shelter for their pups, coyotes den in a wide variety of places, including brush-covered slopes, steep banks, rock ledges, thickets, and hollow logs. They will either use the abandoned dens of other animals, or dig their own burrows, sometimes as far as 20 feet underground, to prepare a nursery den for the young, frequently digging a second burrow in case the first is disturbed.

Behavior

Coyotes may travel alone, in pairs, or small groups. One factor that seems to affect coyote sociability is prey size. In populations where the major prey items are small rodents, coyotes tend to be solitary. In populations where large animals, like deer, are available, large groups of coyotes are formed. Coyotes tend to be more social during winter, when carrion is a very important food source. (Large groups have better chances of finding food.) Females generally have a home range of a few square miles; males wander over larger areas.

Coyotes have excellent senses of hearing and smell and are very "clever" predators. They have been known to kill porcupines without being "quilled". They will also use teamwork to bring down large prey.