PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Historically, the coyote was commonly found in the Great Plains of western and mid-western states. During the last 50 years they have expanded eastern. Expansion of the coyote eastward was probably a result of the elimination of its ancient foe the timber wolf and the establishment of the deer herd in the east as a food base. The coyote is an adaptable animal and also travel in packs. Coyote packs range in size from two adults to about ten, plus pups.
Eastern coyotes typically weigh 30-50 pounds and are 48-60 inches long, approximately twice the size of their close relative, the western coyote. Eastern coyotes have long legs, thick fur, a pointy snout, a drooping bushy black-tipped tail and range in color from a silvery gray to a grizzled, brownish red. The average life span of a wild coyote is four years.
Prior to the near extermination of wolves and cougars, the coyote was most numerous in grasslands inhabited by bison, antelope, elk and other deer, doing particularly well in short grass areas with prairie dogs. With the extermination of the wolf, the coyote's range expanded to encompass broken forests from the tropics of Guatemala to the northern slope of Alaska. They can survive in extremely hot conditions as well as extreme cold conditions.
Spring Food Source
In late spring
Coyotes switch to fawns
Summer Food Source
During the summer, coyotes feed upon berries and insects
Fall Food Source
During early fall they eat more insects and small mammals
Winter Food Source
As winter becomes harder and small mammal populations decline, coyotes turn toward their largest prey - white-tailed deer.
Human Management
Coyotes may be hunted year round. There is no daily, annual or season bag limit.
