Charlie Fineran’s Photo of the Week and topic is about coyotes. Yes, they do live in our area!

If you saw what you thought was a big dog, but didn’t seem to quite look like a dog, then you probably saw a coyote. And if you think you hear a dog “barking” but it doesn’t quite sound like a dog in your neighborhood, that may be a coyote. They are here.

First, some background based on my research.

The eastern coyote (Canis latrans var.) is a wild North American canine of mixed coyote-wolf and dog parentage.  The hybridization likely first occurred in the Great Lakes region, as the western coyotes moved east.  Eastern coyotes are generally larger in size than their western counterparts.  Recent genetic research has attributed the eastern coyote’s larger size to in breeding with Canadian gray wolves.  Coyotes are biologically able to reproduce with domesticated dogs, although because of several barriers, they rarely do.  Eastern coyotes as mentioned show evidence of past hybridization, but there is no sign that they still are actively mating with dogs or wolves.

The scientific name for the coyote is Canis latrans, which means “barking dog.”  They are a member of the Canidae family and share a lot of the similar traits of animals like dogs, foxes, jackal and wolves.  The best runner among the canids, the Coyote cruises normally at 25 to 30 mph, getting up to 40 mph for short distances, and can make 14 foot leaps.  Tagged Coyotes have been known to travel great distances, up to 400 miles.  The Coyote runs with its tail down, unlike the domestic dog (tail up) and wolves (tail straight)  They are opportunistic carnivores, which means they prey on any animal they can find.  Their diet is 90% made up of mammals – voles, prairie dogs, eastern cottontails, ground squirrels, mice and other small mammals.  They will also eat birds, snakes, frogs, lizards, deer, cattle and small insects.  They also eat many kinds of fruit.  Carrion from larger animals, especially deer, is an important food source in winter. 

The Coyote usually hunts alone, but may combine efforts with one or two others, running in relays to tire prey or waiting in ambush while others chase the quarry toward it.  The Coyote stalks like a pointer, “freezing” before it pounces and chases down larger prey, such as rabbits etc..  A strong swimmer, it does not hesitate to enter water after prey.  DID YOU KNOW??  They are such good swimmers, they have even populated islands!!  They are daring predators who kill rattlesnakes, porcupines and even humans. 

**NOTE:  With all the hiking I have done over the years, never saw one!  They were the only animal that I always had a concern about coming across in the wild and that would include one or a pack!!** 

They also snack on insects, fish, frogs and carrion.  Much like the things foxes eat, urban coyotes will also rummage through the garbage.

In comparison to western coyotes our coyotes are “beefier”, have larger teeth, longer legs and larger paws, to name a few differences.

This Week’s Photos

The photo of the sickly coyote (see below) is interesting as far as his size, he is a pretty big boy!!  The pipe surrounding the tree is 36 inches tall which is his head height.

The other photo was taken awhile ago from my car.  I was driving south on Long Bridge Road and noticed him running full speed ahead across the snow.  Notice the tell-tale tail between the legs! He was another good size coyote!

**NOTE:  Keep in mind, coyotes are very adaptable and have no problems living near humans, this means, if they forage through our neighborhoods, some of our smaller pets, cats and smaller dogs may be vulnerable.  The good news is, their natural habitat in this area, provides a very plentiful source of food and most of their forays through our neighborhoods are only periodic**

Coyotes are famous for their vocalizations, which are varied.  The most distinctive given at dusk, dawn or during the night, consists of a series of short barks and yelps, followed by a prolonged howl and ending with short, sharp yaps.  This call keeps the band alert to the locations of its members and helps to reunite them when separated.  One call usually prompts other individuals to join in, resulting in the famous chorus heard at night in the west and now more increasingly in the east.  The average life span of a coyote in the wild is only 6 to 8 years.  Predators once included the Grizzly Bear, Black Bear, Mountain Lion and wolves, but with their numbers declining, they are no longer considered threats.  Humans are the main enemy.  Coyotes have maintained their numbers and are increasing in the east.

Enjoy Your Open Space

Charlie Fineran

Director Open Space, Chair, Allamuchy Township Environmental Commission