Coyote (Canis latrans thamnos): Wild Canine with an Urban Presence
Did you know?
Coyotes have been known to cooperate with badgers to hunt rodents - a rare example of inter- species cooperative hunting behavior The latin name means Barking Dog In native lore they are known as "The Trickster"
Photo Credit: Janet Forjan-Freedman
Habitat: forest edges, marginal farmlands, swamplands, forests, urban edges and parks
Weight: males: 16-18 kg; females: 13-16 kg
Length: 1.2 metres (average)
Diet: groundhogs, snakes, rabbits, mice, carrion.
Status: Common in Ontario
The Bruce Trail Conservancy | PO Box 857 Hamilton, ON L8N 3N9 | 1.800.665.4453 | [email protected]
Identification
Coyotes are a medium-sized member of the Canidae family.
Coyotes have:
grayish fawn coloured coat with black tipped hairs along the back and tail with a whitish tinge to the belly and throat Ears that are relatively large as compared to the rest of the head A black tipped bushy tail that is points down when running
Coyotes will sometimes mate with domestic dogs producing a hybrid animal often called a Coydog. Coydogs vary more in their colouring; ranging from grayish-brown to yellowish-gray to reddish-brown.
Photo Credit: Janet Forjan-Freedman
Back to top >>
Coyotes on the Bruce Trail
Coyotes are found throughout Canada except in the boreal forest and the arctic tundra. In Ontario, they have adapted extremely well to agricultural and urban areas in the southern and central parts of the province and have even been spotted prowling city landscapes.
They are found all along the Bruce Trail but a sighting is rare as they are very shy and usually prefer to avoid contact with humans. If you are lucky you may spot one in the early morning hours or at dusk when they are more active. Their presence is more likely to be noticed by their high pitched howls and barks at night as they communicate to others in the area.
The Bruce Trail Conservancy | PO Box 857 Hamilton, ON L8N 3N9 | 1.800.665.4453 | [email protected]
Coyote Behavior
Coyotes are mostly nocturnal but can often be seen in the daytime hours.
They sometimes travel in large groups but usually hunt in mated pairs. A pack of Coyotes is usually a mated pair with their offspring and are also referred to as a rout or a band.
They are capable of digging their own burrow but prefer to use an abandoned Badger or Groundhog hole.
Breeding typically occurs in late January to late March. Mated pairs will often remain monogamous for life. Litters are born in late April or May and can range from one pup to as many as nineteen.
Coyotes will sometimes mate with domestic dogs producing a hybrid animal often called a Coydog. These animals keep the predatory nature of the Coyote and the dogs lack of fear of humans and are often to blame for many livestock attacks instead of purebred Coyotes.
Coyotes are highly adaptable which is why they have been so successful in populating the urban landscape. They are one of the few larger animals that populations and ranges have increased since human settlement began.
Coyote on the left and a Coydog on the right. Notice the difference in colouration and features
Photo Credit: Janet Forjan-Freedman
Fear of Coyotes
The Bruce Trail Conservancy | PO Box 857 Hamilton, ON L8N 3N9 | 1.800.665.4453 | [email protected]
With a recent increase in Coyote sightings in urban areas, including some instances of people being approached by them, awareness of Coyotes is on the rise. Coyotes are generally afraid of humans and will avoid us at all costs. Sometimes they become less timid: usually when they have a chance at an easy meal though our curbside garbage, or through feeding by well-meaning but mis-informed humans. This time of year, their breeding habits and a shortage of food can bring them closer to residential areas.
If you are approached by a Coyote, stay calm, back away slowly and never turn your back or run. If the animal still seems aggressive, stand tall, wave your arms and make lots of noise. Carry a flashlight to scare the animals away at night and if they pose an immediate threat, call 911. Always keep your pets on a leash when hiking the Trail as they may get injured if they chase a Coyote.
You can get more information about living with Coyotes by visiting the OMNR website at http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/FW/2ColumnSubPage/STDPROD_088694.html
The Bruce Trail Conservancy | PO Box 857 Hamilton, ON L8N 3N9 | 1.800.665.4453 | [email protected]