Coyote

An adaptable wild canid found from farmland to forest edges.

Field guide

An adaptable wild canid found from farmland to forest edges.

Identification

Shared features

Slender build, pointed muzzle, large ears and a low-held bushy tail.

Male

Males average a little larger, but both sexes have a narrow muzzle, upright ears and low-held bushy tail. Body size and coat do not reliably sex an individual.

Female

Females share the same gray-tan coat and proportions. A nursing female or one with pups may be identifiable by context; otherwise sex needs a clear anatomical view.

Habitat

Field edges, brushy farmland, young forest and travel corridors near prey.

Where to look during the day

Morning

At dawn, look for tracks along field margins and quiet trails after nocturnal travel.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, coyotes often rest in cover, though they can hunt at any hour.

Evening

At dusk, watch open edges and listen as animals begin to move and call.

Sounds

Howls, yips and barks often occur in short group exchanges.

Recorded calls

Coyote

Field recording of a coyote. A narrower call type or the caller's sex is not assigned to this clip.

National Park Service · Recording source

Natural history source: Read the source

Bag limits

Bag and possession summaries.

-No bag limit or possession limit.

Official bag-limit source