Coyote
Coyote[1]
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)[2]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Chordata
Class:
Mammalia
Order:
Carnivora
Family:
Canidae
Genus:
Canis
Species:
C. latrans
Binomial name
Canis latrans
Say, 1823
Coyote range
The coyote (pronounced /kaɪˈoʊtiː, ˈkaɪ.oʊt/[3]) (Canis lat-
rans), also known as the prairie wolf,[4] is a species of
canid found throughout North and Central America, ran-
ging from Panama in the south, north through Mexico,
the United States and Canada. It occurs as far north as
Alaska and all but the northernmost portions of
Canada.[5] There are currently 19 recognized subspecies,
with 16 in Canada, Mexico and the United States, and 3
in Central America.[6] Unlike its cousin the Gray Wolf,
which is Eurasian in origin, the coyote evolved in North
America 2 MYA alongside the Dire Wolf.[7] Unlike the
wolf, the coyote’s range has expanded in the wake of hu-
man civilization, and coyotes readily reproduce in met-
ropolitan areas.[8] It is thought by certain experts that
the coyote’s North American origin may account for its
greater adaptability than the wolf, due to North Amer-
ica’s greater prehistoric predation pressures.[7]
Name
The name "coyote" is borrowed from Mexican Spanish,
ultimately derived from the Nahuatl word cóyotl. Its sci-
entific name, Canis latrans, means "barking dog."
Description
Coyote profile
The color of the coyote’s pelt varies from grayish brown
to yellowish gray on the upper parts, while the throat
and belly tend to have a buff or white color. The fore-
legs, sides of the head, muzzle and paws are reddish
brown. The back has tawn-colored underfur and long,
black-tipped guard hairs that form a black dorsal stripe
and a dark cross on the shoulder area. The black-tipped
tail has a scent gland located on its dorsal base. Coyotes
shed once a year, beginning in May with light hair loss,
ending in July after heavy shedding. The ears are pro-
portionately large in relation to the head, while the feet
are relatively small in relation to the r