Did you know coyotes and grey wolves share the same ancestors more than 1 million years ago. Coyotes have been living in North America for about 1 million years from the moment they got their different identity from grey wolves. Coyotes can adjust in all kinds of living conditions as they live in mountains, plains, wilderness, deserts and even cities and countryside. Coyotes are adjusting to the destruction of their natural habitats by coming to big cities for food like New York and Los Angeles.
The size of coyotes also depends upon where they live. In Mexico, northern species of Coyotes are usually larger than the subspecies in the southern parts. Normally coyotes are bigger than the average dogs but they are smaller and thinner than wolves. Their body length is usually between 32 inches and 52 inches ( 0.8 meters and 1.34 meters) depending upon their geographical location. The average length of their tails is about 15 or 16 inches. The average weight of coyotes is between 8 to 23 kilograms (18 to 50 lbs). Mail coyotes are much larger and heavier than the female ones. The largest coyote every found was about 63 inches (1.60 meters) in length and its weight was 75 lbs (34 kg).
Coyotes are both solitary and social animals depending upon the condition of the food and atmosphere of the area. When they live alone, they are very possessive about their territory and usually mark it with urine. Coyotes usually make big groups in winter or in cold season for hunting. Group hunting makes it easier for coyotes to find their food. Coyotes usually become more active at night and they also hunt at night. Rabbits, mice, birds, rodents, fish and lizards are their favorite and normal diet. But coyotes can also eat fruits and vegetables if meat is not available.
