Coyote (Canis latrans)
BASIC ID: A member of the canine family, coyotes are often mistaken for domestic dogs. Their yellowish eyes, brown/red/gray-mottled hair, pointed ears and muzzle can help you identify them.
HABITS: Coyotes normally hunt small mammals, but are important scavengers, and eat carrion (dead things) as well. Coyotes are adaptable and can even live in urban areas. Diseases, such as mange, seriously affect coyote populations. Regulated trapping helps control populations and redue the spread of disease..
HISTORY: At one time coyotes were found in our northern forests and farmlands, but are now members of agricultural and suburban settings.
WILD: Coyotes are very clean and even remove bones and other debris from around and inside their dens.