Canis latrans
California Department of Fish and Game "Harvest Species"
Life History
The coyote has tawny to grayish fur. The back tends to be buffy gray and black or
reddish while the underside is lighter in color. The ears are erect and pointed. The tail is usually
carried straight out or down and has a black tip. Size variations depend upon geographic locale and subspecies.
This permanent resident throughout the state utilizes almost all
habitats and successional stages. They frequent open brush, scrub, shrub, and herbaceous
habitats, and may be associated opportunistically with agriculture lands. In addition, they may
be found in younger stands of deciduous and conifer forests and woodlands with low to
intermediate canopy and shrub and grass understory. Presence of free water for drinking is
the only restriction. Cover may be taken in natural cavities, brushy stands of vegetation, and
suitable soils which allow excavation of dens.
Activity occurs throughout all months of the year. Most activity tends to be at dusk,
dawn, or throughout the night but they occasionally may be active during the daylight.
The coyote is an omnivorous opportunist and a very adaptable predator. They eat
primarily mice, rats, ground squirrels, gophers, lagomorphs, and carrion. Some insects, reptiles, amphibians, fruits, and occasionally birds, their eggs,
and deer fawns may be taken as well. They also have been known to take sheep and domestic
fowl. Prey is obtained by pouncing, stalking, and chasing in open habitats. Hunting is done
alone, in pairs, or in small packs (family groups).
The home ranges vary from 4.8-49.9 km2 (3-31 mi2). Male ranges may overlap one
another but females rarely do. No information is available regarding territory.
Breeding occurs from January to March and gestation takes about 63 days. The young
are born from March through May. One litter per year of one to 11 pups are born. Pups are
weaned at five to seven weeks and leave parents at six to nine months. Both
reach sexual maturity in the second year. Breeding pairs tend to remain together for years.
Coyotes are tolerant of human activities and adjust rapidly to perturbations and changes
in their environment. Widespread efforts to control or reduce coyote numbers are largely
unsuccessful. Golden eagles, great
horned owls, and mountain lions occasionally may kill coyotes.
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