Animal Tracks » Coyote
Coyote
If you guessed Coyote, you were right!
Coyotes are very adaptable animals and can live in a variety of environments. Living in major metropolitan areas as well as the deserts of Utah, coyotes feed on everything from small mammals, berries and grasses to the occasional left-overs of another animal's kill.
Coyote tracks average 2½ inches long. The hind print is generally smaller than their front print. (The track below is a front paw print.) The inner two toes are smaller than the outer two. Coyotes are graceful jumpers, excellent runners and are quite skiddish when approached. They also don't mind the water and will swim to pursue a kill.
Coyotes live in dens. Coyote dens are usually located in hollow trees, burrows, small caves, or in the brush under a large tree. Coyotes, like rattlesnakes, will sometimes move in to the den of another animal.
Coyote pups are generaly born in late spring and will be able to survive on their own the following fall. Coyotes are diurnal mammals, active both day and night.
A great way to distingish between canine and feline prints is by claw marks. If you see a print you are unsure about, look for claw marks. If you see them, more than likely, the track was left by a canine. Felines have retractable claws and rarely show their claws in a track. Whereas canines will most always show their claws in their tracks (see below).
Click here to hear an actual coyote howl.
| Areas Where You Might Find This Track | Trails Where You Might Find This Track |
Fact: The coyote can run at almost 40 mph and jump over a 8' fence.
