Coyote

More Information

Historically, coyotes have primarily inhabited grasslands, sagebrush, and other largely open habitats in the plains and the Southwest. In the last few decades, coyotes have become used to urban areas and are now found in almost every major city in the U.S.

This is a social species, but because coyotes do not specialize in hunting large mammals, they are not dependent on a pack structure. Coyotes mate in the late winter into early spring, with pups being born around April and May. Coyote parents will extend their hours of activity to collect sufficient resources for their young.

Did You Know?

• The Nahua peoples, who reside in what is now Central Mexico and parts of the U.S., traditionally call the coyote “coyōtl.” This Nahuatl name was used by the Spanish in developing the word coyote.
• Coyotes are very vocal animals, with more than 11 different kinds of identified vocalizations used for expressing alarm and distress, giving greetings, or initiating basic contact.
• Coyotes may be found at Nature Boardwalk and may be active during the day, so alertness is required—although they pose little threat to humans. Let them know you are there by making some noise, but do not approach. The zoo’s Urban Wildlife Institute monitors coyote presence in the area.