Coyote

Canis latrans

The word “coyote” is derived from the Nahuatl word coyotl and among the Aboriginal peoples of the American southwest, and the scientific name Canis latrans refers to “barking dog”. The coyote is known as “the trickster.” Some stories declare the coyote the creator of the human race, others describe the way it stole fire for humans, and still others portray the wily animal as playing various pranks and tricks. Also known as the “prairie wolf” or “brush wolf,” the coyote is a member of the canine family and closely related to the wolf and the domestic dog.

Characteristics

The coyote has long, thick fur, generally a grey to tan colour but ranging from yellowish brown to reddish and in higher elevations darker. In rare cases, black coyotes have been spotted. A coyote’s belly is lighter in colour and can be nearly white. Its tail is bushy and generally has a black tip, although white tips are also known to occur…

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