Coyote: Social Life

(From Wild Canines of North America, published by Blackbirch Press and available online in Kids InfoBits)

Coyote social structure varies – some form wolf-like family groups, and others prefer to live alone. As with wolves, a coyote alpha pair (the strongest male and female) will lead the pack, which usually has from 4 to 8 members.

At dawn, dusk, and during the night, coyotes may let out a series of barks and yelps. Then, they may follow with a long howl, which end in yips. This vocalization helps members of the family keep track of each other in the dark. One call will usually get an answer right away.

Then others will join in--producing a chorus of howls. Not all howling is for communication. Some coyotes will howl just for the sheer joy of it. Coyotes don't bark as much as domestic dogs. For them, barking without a howl is a threat to other animals, usually in defense of a kill or a den.

Like other canids, coyotes mark their territories. Both urine and feces (droppings) serve as scent markers, which are usually placed on tree trunks or rocks. Raising their markers puts the scent up closer to the nose level of passing animals.

Strangely, coyotes often choose the center dividing line on a highway as a highly visible place for their markers.

Key Terms

adaptability:
The ability to change in order to fit into a new situation.

habitat:
The place and natural conditions in which a plant or animal lives.

herding:
To make animals move together as a group.

predator:
An animal that lives by hunting other animals.

stalking:
To hunt in a quiet, secret way; usually in pursuit of prey.

trait:
A quality or characteristic that makes one thing different from another.