The coyote is a mammal in the dog family. Its name comes from an Aztec word meaning "trickster".The Humane Society Of The United States: Coyote Coyotes now live primarily in forests and the mountains, although they were once prevalent in prairie land and deserts.National Geographic: Coyote Coyotes are found as far north as Canada, south through the United States and then through Mexico to Panama.Animal Diversity Web: Coyote

The coyote is smaller than the gray wolf and larger than a fox. It has pointy ears, round eyes with a yellow iris, and a drooping tail, which is black on its tip. Its upper body is grayish brown to yellowish, with reddish fur on the side of the head, feet and legs. The coyote sheds its coat once a year from May to July. It has a very good sense of hearing and smell to compensate for its less than keen sense of sight.Animal Diversity Web: Coyote

The coyote is nocturnal. It hunts in pairs, with entire families or alone.Animal Diversity Web: Coyote During the fall and winter months, coyotes form hunting packs.National Geographic: Coyote

It generally uses burrows formed by woodchucks or badgers as dens.Animal Diversity Web: Coyote

In the spring, female coyotes will have her pups, which are fed and protected by both parents. By the following fall, the pups can hunt on their own.National Geographic: Coyote