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Coyote
Canis latrans
Habitat: Coyotes occur at all elevations and in all ecosystems in Colorado; they are least abundant in dense coniferous forest. In areas where they are subject to human control efforts they are restricted to broken, rough country with abundant shrub cover and a good supply of rabbits or rodents.
Diet: Jackrabbits, cottontail rabbits, and rodents make up the bulk of the diet (Andrews and Bogess 1978, T. Clark 1972, Hilton 1978, Van Vuren 1990), with rodents most important as summer prey and rabbits important as winter prey. Fawns and carrion of livestock and big game are also eaten (Andelt 1987, Andrews and Bogess 1978, R. Cook et al. 1971, A. Todd and Keith 1983). Plant material consumed generally consist of fruit, berries, and cultivated crops including melons and carrots. In southeastern Colorado, juniper "berries" were a major component of the winter diet; rodents were important in spring, ungulate fawns in June, and grasshoppers were eaten when available in summer (Gese et al. 1988b).
Description: The coyote is a slender, furry canid about the size of a small German shepherd dog. The tail is bushy and usually held low. The ears are pointed and held erect. Color varies considerably depending on season and location. Dorsal color is tawny gray, and animals from desert areas or low elevations are usually paler than those from other habitats. The face, forelegs, and ears tend to be reddish to brownish buff. The tail sports a black tip, and often the neck and shoulder areas have black-tipped hairs forming a "saddle." The throat and belly are paler than the rest of the body. Measurements are: total length 1,050-1,400 mm; length of tail 300-400 mm; length of hindfoot 175-220 mm; length of ear 80-130 mm; weight 9-16 kg.
Range in Colorado: In Colorado, coyotes are common statewide in all habitats and at all elevations.
Status: CDOW Furbearer
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