What do they look like?
Coyote color is typically a tanish, mottled brown with rust and black shading. They have large pointed ears,
and a long narrow snout. Their bodies are tall and slender with long legs and a
bushy tail. A coyote's appearance is much like that of a fox and they are
closely related to the wolf. Adult coyotes can be 2 feet high at the shoulder
and are about 3 ½ feet long. Full grown coyotes generally weigh 30 to 35 lbs.
While walking or running coyotes usually carry their tail pointed
down.
Where are they found?
Coyotes were originally western animals. They now inhabit most of North America. Locally, they are found in all of the
Mid-Atlantic States and all Maryland counties.
Coyotes live in a wide variety of habitats including grasslands, mountains, woodlands and farms. They
are very adaptable and readily use areas developed by humans such orchards,
fields, gardens and even backyards.
What do they eat?
Coyotes are active predators and scavengers. They take a variety of prey, including rabbits,
rodents, birds, chickens, domestic cats, and occasionally larger animals such as
deer and livestock. They also consume large amounts of carrion. Being
opportunists, they also eat berries, fruit, insects and even
watermelons.
What are their habits?
Coyotes are most active at sunrise and sunset. During the spring and summer, feeding their young is the primary
activity. Dens are used only for pup rearing and are usually taken over from
other animals. Mating takes place in January and February with the pups born in
April or May. Litter size is usually 5 or 6. Only about 12% of coyote pups
survive their first year.
What other animals are like coyotes and live in Maryland?
Coyotes are members of the dog family "canidae". The other two wild members of that family that live in Maryland are the red fox and the gray fox.
As coyotes become more abundant throughout Maryland they will displace red
fox.
What do these animals mean to people?
Coyotes, like most predators, try to get the most food with the least effort. Domestic animals are
often easier to catch than wild animals. Domestic fruits and berries offer greater abundance in a smaller area than wild plants. Coyotes come in conflict
with humans by preying on pets and livestock and eating fruits intended for humans.
