#COYOTE TRACKS FULL#

They are territorial, and will firmly defend portions of their home range.

They are year-long residents and typically inhabit an area known as a home range. Seeing a coyote during the day does not necessarily mean it is sick or unhealthy, but caution should be exercised. They may be observed moving about during the day, yet are more active after sunset and at night. Coyotes do not frequently kill healthy adult deer.Ĭoyotes are not strictly nocturnal. Deer killed by vehicles and other causes (carrion) can be an important food source for coyotes. Annually, their diet includes white-tailed deer, rabbits, small mammals such as mice and voles, raccoons, groundhogs, birds, insects, and plant materials. Coyote diets are diverse and vary throughout the year based on seasonal availability. Life HistoryĬoyotes are opportunistic omnivores, meaning a coyote's diet depends on what is easy to find, scavenge, or catch and kill. Eastern coyotes can be distinguished from wolves by their smaller size large, pointed ears and pointed snout. Learn more about steps you can take to avoid conflicts with coyotes.Įastern coyotes have a mix of coyote, wolf, and dog ancestry and are larger in size (about 40 pounds, on average) than coyotes west of the Mississippi. You can read more about coyotes in the article 'Rise of the Eastern Coyote (PDF)' in the June 2014 issue of the Conservationist. Many have a white chin and a dark spot just below the base of the tail when observed from behind. Weight: 35 to 45 pounds (males usually larger than females)Ĭolor: Variable, from blonde or reddish blonde to dark tan washed with black.

#COYOTE TRACKS FULL#

They have long, thick fur and full bushy tails, usually carried pointing down. Eastern coyotes look similar to German shepherd dogs, yet are half the weight.

Coyote tracks