The coyote is a very vocal mammal that communicates with yips, whines, woofs, huffs, growls, and group yip-howls (part of a complex greeting ceremony). It’s best known for its iconic lone howl, which announces a solitary coyote separated from its pack. Early Aztec Indians called it “coyotl”, which means barking dog, and scientists label the coyote: Canis latrans, which also translates into barking dog. Its different vocalizations serve as alarms, greetings, or search for contact.

Where do coyotes live? In the past, coyotes were most numerous in grasslands, but after humans exterminated their main predator, the highly territorial gray wolf, coyotes vastly expanded their range throughout North America and parts of Central America.

The versatile (dare we say “wily”) coyote can now be found in almost all habitats and even some cities and suburbs. Its preferred den is a burrow in a slope, but a hollow tree trunk, dense brush pile, or even an abandoned car can be home.

It’s Hard to Starve a Coyote

The coyote’s ability to survive and thrive is further supported by its flexible menu. Mostly carnivorous, it prefers small prey such as rabbits, ground squirrels and other rodents. It will also consume birds, eggs, fruits and even cats and dogs. Coyotes in neighborhoods are attracted to pet food, garbage, and even bird feeding stations.

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