Coyote Essay

The coyote is known to be an extremely adaptive carnivore, which is clearly evident from the fact that coyotes can survive is vastly different environments and has been for more than 500,000 years. In legend, its most prevalent name is known as the Trickster, who tricks people into learning lessons and is evident in showing people how life may not always appear as it seems.
Biology and Ecology The coyote (Canis latrans) is closely related to the gray wolf (C. lupus), but is smaller in size and stature, yet larger than that of a fox (Vulpes vulpes). Coyotes, while looking similar to some domestic dogs and gray wolf, can overall be differentiated by their pointed ears and their drooping tails (held down when walking and running as opposed to
It is known to be one of the most adaptable carnivores with a wide range of habitats including forests, grasslands, deserts, and swamps, while in modern day it can also occur in suburban, agricultural, and urban settings. Because of its adaptable nature it can be found year-round in any setting in North and Central America, yet they prefer to live in open areas such as the desert and prairie while in urban areas it prefers wooded patches and shrubbery which provides it shelter to hide from humans. These animals can either live in a pack, solo, or be nomadic.
Coyotes usually breed once a year, and create a den where they generally have four to seven pups, but size can vary either way. Mating season is between late January to late March and the female can pick a mate where they can stay together for years, but may not necessarily be together for life. After the pups are born and weaned both males and females hunt for the offspring and bring food back to the den (the only time of year the coyote uses a den) for the pups. The overall life expectancy for a coyote is 13 to 15 years in the wild and 18 years in captivity, though many don’t live past age of