The coyote or Canis latrans is one of the smaller members of the Canidae family. Their average size is 58-76 inches from head to tail, though the male is usually larger than the female. The average weight is about 25-33 lbs. The size of the coyote also varies with location; those living in the prairie or desert are smaller than those in the colder, mountain areas. It is thought that this larger size has occurred due to interbreeding with the wolf population.
The coyote has grayish-tawny brown coat while its ears, legs, and muzzle are a yellowish brown. There is a black stripe running down its back, and there are also black patches on the forelegs and the tip of the tail.
The coyote occupies a large variety of habitats from mountains, forests, deserts, and open grasslands. The coyote is highly adaptable which explains why its population numbers are thriving unlike the other members of its family. It has been able to adapt to the presence of humans. This makes it a threat to sheep and cattle ranchers, who claim great losses due to coyotes. The range of the coyotes are all over North America from Canada to Costa Rica and California to Maine.
