Texas Plains Coyote
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Carnivora Family: Canidae Genus: Canis
Species: Canis latrans
The Texas Plains Coyote is a predator that is slightly smaller than a wolf but with a similar appearance. While its ears are large for the size of its head and its muzzle is long and slender, its feet are small for the size of its body. It can be distinguished from the common domesticated dog by its drooping tail and pointed ears that are usually held in an erect position. Instead of forming large packs as wolves do, the Texas Plains Coyote hunts either alone or in small family units. It lives in dug-out dens and usually only leaves the den to hunt during the night since it is primarily nocturnal. It mostly hunts small mammals such as the Eastern Cottontail or the Eastern Fox Squirrel, but it occasionally hunts birds and even large insects. When it is hunting mice, it steps lightly and tries to sniff out the mouse that is hiding in the grass. It then leaps into the air with all four feet together as it pounces. The Texas Plains Coyote can even hunt deer by working with others of its kind and taking turns to tire the deer out. Because this species helps to keep the small mammal population in check, it prevents habitat degradation and is a vital part of the ecosystem.
Conservation status: Least concern
Description: Light grey, reddish, or black and white fur that varies geographically
Length: 3 ft 3 inches-4 ft 5 in
Weight: 18-44 lb
Diet: Bison, sheep, deer, rabbits, hares, rodents, birds, amphibians, lizards, snakes, turtles, tortoises, fish, crustaceans, and insects.
Habitat: Grasslands, plains, broken forests, and mountainous areas.
Credit source: Animal Diversity Web
