Coyote

Coyote. Canis latrans. , Despite years of extermination programs, the coyote remains one of North America's most successful predators. The coyote is usually a solitary hunter of insects, rodents and other small animals. Packs of coyotes will sometimes hunt deer or other large prey. , Range: Widely distributed throughout North America, Coyotes Invade New York , Coyotes were first spotted in New York State in 1925. Since then, sightings have become more frequent, as the animals move closer and closer to urban areas. Coyotes have even been documented within New York City limits!, Wolf vs. Coyote , Coyotes can thrive where wolves have been eliminated. Coyotes move into wolf-free areas, often hunting large animals that would not normally be their prey. If wolves are reintroduced, the two species compete for food. Wolves invariably win, and coyote numbers dramatically decrease., Family Life , In Spring, the females give birth to approximately 6 pups. The young are cared for by the mother, the father and other "helpers" who are usually youngsters from a previous year. Born blind and helpless, pups develop quickly, emerging from the den when three weeks old.