Coyotes - Habitat
Coyotes are highly adaptable to a variety of habitats. They inhabit a wide range of zones including temperate forest and rain forest, tropical forests and grasslands, deserts, and other areas. Coyotes can often be seen around farms and woodlots. These carnivores are dangerous predators that kill livestock and cause significant damage to farmers.
|
|
Picture source:
Urban Wildlife
|
The species prefers habitats with no wolves present. Despite the fact that humans have changed the original habitat of the Coyote greatly, the species has managed to adapt quickly and its range is expanding nowadays. The scale of its expansion is really impressive. European settlers found these wild animals only in some parts of North America such as plains, prairies, and deserts. Nowadays, Coyotes can be seen in almost every state except Hawaii. The species also inhabits Canada and some other areas.
Apart from the fact that Coyotes are very adaptable mammals, there are a few theories as to such a rapid expansion of the species. Some people believe that the eastern Coyote was once native to such states as New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. With reforestation of these areas, Coyotes made their way back from wilderness regions to their native habitats.
There is also a different view on the expansion of Coyotes. It is believed that the western Coyote gave rise to animals that migrated to eastern regions and interbred with the wolf there. This interbreeding produced a larger subspecies that started expansion. It is interesting to note that Coyotes may crossbreed with feral dogs. Such animals are called "coydogs."
Coyotes - Diet and Feeding Habits
Though Coyotes are mainly carnivores, they can feed on anything available. Mammals comprise the lion's share of their diet. They feed on birds, snakes, and insects as well as rabbits, small rodents, and other animals. These wild dogs also eat berries and fruits. The species prefers fresh meat. However, Coyotes often eat carrion. Usually, a Coyote hunts alone. However, when hunting large prey, such as the deer, Coyotes gather in groups. Coyotes - General Information Links
1Up Info - Coyote (Prairie or Brush Wolf) - Delve into facts on habits, ecology, behavior, diet, distribution, anatomy, life, characteristics, cry, habitat, and species of the small wolf, which looks like a dog.
Animal Diversity Web - Coyotes - Provides insight into the natural history and range of the North American wild dog.
BPP Coyote Project - General information on Coyotes.
Coyote - Species description, natural history, and conservation biology.
Coyote (Canis latrans) Conservation - Species conservation analysis and objectives.
Coyote (Canis latrans) Species Account - Distribution, natural history, and conservation biology of the species.
Coyote Canis latrans - General information about the Coyote.
Coyote Guide - Description, habitat, and biology of the species.
|
|
Picture source:
The Henry Samueli School of Engineering
|
Coyote Habitat Study - Study by Troy W. Hicks.
Coyote Information and Pictures - Contains information on the species and links to related sites.
Coyote Overview - Description, habitat, diet, ecology, reproduction, and conservation.
Coyote Photo & Sound File - From Nebraska Wildlife Sounds.
Coyote - Wildlife information - Everything about the Coyote, its behavior and life cycle.
Coyote Profile - Coyote is an adaptable species, widely distributed throughout the United States.
Coyote Species Profile - Species description, habitat, and life style.
Coyotes - BBCi - Listen to this wild dog's yapping, and watch a video clip of it in action. Find out where it likes to live and how it gets along with others.
Coyotes: Nature Snapshots - Coyote identification, reproduction, and feeding habits.
Dialogue for Kids: The Coyote - Brief information on the species including its habitat and diet.
Hinterland Who's Who - Coyote - Covers the natural history of the canine species in Canada. Supplies a list of references.
Living Desert: The Coyote - Discover the natural behaviors of a wild dog know to frequent urban and suburban areas of North America.
MSN Encarta - Coyotes - Virtual encyclopedia entry details the habitat, appearance, and behavioral characteristics of this carnivorous mammal related to the wolf.
Nature of New England - Coyote - Presents a photo of this canine and offers links to facts about its social behavior, range, and habitat.
Northwestern Ontario Mammal Species - Coyote - Description, habitat, diet, and other information on the Coyote.
South Dakota Symbols, Animal: Coyote - Find a description, including social behavior, reproduction, and diet of the Coyote, "Canis latrans," aka brush wolf or prairie wolf. Includes state adoption details.
Species Ecology- Coyote (Canis latrans) - General information on the Coyote.
Species Spotlight: Coyotes (Canis latrans) - Article describing the species and the recent increase in its population in Illinois.
|
|
Picture source:
Webshots com
|
Species: Canis latrans - Distribution and occurrence, biological data and habitat requirements, and fire effects.
Stanley Woods' Critters: Coyotes - Visit this site to learn more about the species. Contains description of Coyotes, natural history, and Coyote comparisons.
The Coyote - Coyote description, habitat, and other facts.
The Eastern Coyote in Rhode Island - PDF file with information on the species.
The North American Coyote - Coyote description, habitat and range, and evolution notes.
Tim's Coyote Resources - Links to information, sounds, and photos.
Wild Inside Nature Programs - Coyotes - Offers a datasheet for this wild relative of the domesticated dog. Learn about its life cycle and dietary habits.
Wildlife: Coyote - This wild canid (Canis latrans, barking dog) is cousin to the domestic dog and the wolf. He is native to the prairies (thus another nickname, prairie wolf) and desert canyons of the west, but also has extended his range from southern Canada to Central America. Dog Owner's Guide Profile.
Wiley & Archie, Coyotes - Alaska Zoo offers information on their Coyotes.
World of the Wolf - Canis latrans - Pictures and facts about Coyotes.
