Coyote

1335 Words3 Pages

The Coyote

(canis latrans)

?

Sharp fangs, mean growl, shrill cry. You may think I am talking about a new werewolf movie, but I am really talking about the coyote. It is not as fierce as it may sound, They are quite unique animals. Their ability to adapt to almost any enviorment is astounding.

The Name

The name coyote is a Spanish alteration of the original Aztec name coyotl. The Latin name Canis latrans, meaning barking dog, was given to it by Thomas Say, who published a description of the species in 1833. Since 1967, its official name in the U.S. has been coyote. In some parts of the U.S. coyotes are called "brush wolves.” Wolves are much larger and hunt in packs.

Description

The coyote's ears are wide, pointed, and stick out. It has a tapering muzzle and a black nose. Unlike most dogs, the top of the muzzle on coyotes forms an almost continuous line with the forehead. The yellow, slightly slanting eyes, with their black round pupils, give the coyote a characteristic expression of slyness. The canine teeth are remarkably long and can inflict serious wounds. The neck is well furred and looks oversized for the body. The long tongue often hangs down between the teeth. The coyote regulates its body temperature by panting like most dogs.

The paw, more elongated than that of a dog the same size, has four toes withfixed claws. The claws are not used in attack or defense. They are typically blunted from constant contact with the ground and do not leave deep marks.

The male coyote is about the same size as medium German Shepard. It weighs from 9 to 23kg, has an overall length of 120– 150cm (including the tail), and stands 58– 66cm high at the shoulder. The female is usually smaller.

The fur is generally a medium grey, darker on the hind part of the back where the black-tipped hair becomes wavy. Legs, paws, and the back of the ears are more yellowish in color; the throat, belly, and the inside of the ears are whiter. The tail, is darker on top and lighter on the underside. The color also depends of the season, and healthiness of the coyote. The coyote's fur is long and soft and well suited to protect it from the cold.

Habitat

The Coyote prefers to be in a brushy wet area like a bog, or swamp, Because of the high amount of food found in such places.

Open Document