Coyote

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Coyote
Scientific classification
Kingdom Animalia Phylum Chordata Class Mammalia Order Carnivora Family Canidae Genus Canis Species latrans
Binomial name
Canis latrans Say, 1823

A coyote (Canis latrans) is a member of the Canidae (the dog family) and a relative of the domestic dog. Coyotes are only found in North America. Coyotes may occasionally assemble in small packs, but normally hunt alone. Coyotes live an average of about 6 years. The word "coyote" is of Nahuatl origin.

This coyote stands less than two feet (0.6 m) tall and varies in color from gray to tan with sometimes a reddish tint to its coat. A coyote's ears and nose appear long and pointed, especially in relation to the size of its head. Coyotes live an average of about 6 years. It can generally be distinguished from its much larger relative, the Grey Wolf, by its overall slight appearance compared to the massive 75 to 125-pound (34 to 57 kg) stockiness of the bigger dog.

Despite being extensively hunted, the coyote is one of the few medium-to-large-sized animals that has enlarged its territory since human encroachment began (another is the raccoon). Coyotes have moved into most of the areas of North America formerly occupied by wolves, and the "dog" you see scrounging from a suburban trashcan may in fact be a coyote.

Character in mythology

There are many North American stories about Coyote, who is seen as the trickster.