The coyote is a relative of the dog and the wolf. Like its relatives, it mostly feeds on other animals. It will, however, eat a wide variety of foods, including insects, fruits and vegetables.Coyotes are found throughout most of North America, from Mexico and Central America to Canada and Alaska. The color of its coat depends on where it lives. 1
Like the wolf, coyotes live in groups, or packs. The coyote pack is usually smaller than a wolf pack. 2 The pack will often divide into pairs to hunt. Female coyotes give birth to baby coyotes once a year. Over half of the babies will die before they reach adulthood. Male babies usually leave the pack to find their own territory. 3
Wolves and coyotes compete for the same animals for food. Since the coyote is smaller than the wolf,wolves will usually drive the coyote out of any shared living areas.
The coyote adapts easily to new areas. Unlike the wolf, the coyote's living area increased when more and more people settled across North America. 4 Once the New England settlers eliminated wolves, the coyote moved in. Scientists who have studied the coyote believe it is better than the wolf at living in human areas.
5 They find enough supply of food in these areas, since coyotes are willing to eat garbage, rodents (such as rabbits and mice) and even small pets. Scientists estimate that as many as 2,000 coyotes may be living in the Chicago area.