Appearance:
The coyote is a member of the dog family, similar in appearance to a medium size shepherd. Coyotes weigh between 20 and 30 pounds, have pointed ears, a narrow muzzle, and bushy tail. Males tend to be larger than females. Pelts are usually grayish-brown, but occasionally black, often with a patch of white chest hair. When running, coyotes usually hold their tails extended out behind them at "half-mast." Coyote tracks are narrower and more elongated than dog tracks.
The scientific name of the coyote, Canis latrans, literally means "barking dog." Coyotes exhibit a variety of vocalizations. They can bark like dogs, though the sounds most often heard are shrill yips and howls. Howling is often a group effort, perhaps beginning as a simple howl, but quickly increasing in intensity to a series of group howls and high-pitched barks. Howling may function as a greeting between coyotes or as a territorial claim between groups.
Habitat:
Coyotes (Canis latrans) are native to North America. Once strictly a western species, coyotes now occur throughout the eastern United States. Coyotes began expanding their range into the Southeast in the 1960s, reaching northwestern Florida in the 1970s, and are now considered to be a naturalized species in Florida. In a 1981 survey, coyotes were reported in 18 of Florida's 67 counties. A similar survey in 1988 reported coyotes in 48 counties. According to a 2007 FWC report, the presence of coyotes has since been documented in all 67 Florida counties.
Coyotes are extremely adaptable; just about any type of forest or farmland is suitable habitat. They can also adapt to and live in suburban and urban areas. They are not particular about what they eat or where they live. Coyotes are established in every state except Hawaii and live in some of our largest cities such as Denver, Los Angeles and Chicago. They are proving they can adapt to living near people, and with some simple changes we can learn to better coexist with them.
The Coyote’s Role in Ecosystems:
Predators like coyotes are important in the natural systems where they live. Coyotes can be of benefit to many bird and small mammal species because, as a larger predator, coyotes may control smaller predators such as raccoons, foxes and feral cats that prey on native small mammals, birds and bird nests. The red wolf has been eradicated from Florida and some biologists believe that its role has been partially filled by coyotes because they prey on some of the same species and may interact with competing carnivores in a similar manner. Coyotes also often prey on rabbits and rodents, which can be pests to farmers.