Though coyotes often get a bad rap for being marauders and are often labeled as vermin or pests, coyotes serve an important function in keeping an ecological balance. These misunderstood animals keep rodent populations in check which brings them into newly populated areas and freshly plowed fields. As ambassadors for the species, our coyotes teach advocacy for predators such as themselves and encourage young learners to appreciate their species.
Sunny and Blue came to Cat Tales as pups along with some older animals that we agreed to provide a retirement home for. Often times space occupied by older animals is needed for younger litters. Some facilities have to make the choice of euthanasia of older animals to provide areas for young ones that provide funds for the facility. (Everybody likes to see young animals and will pay to do so, not so much the older ones.) We are a retirement home for those older animals and provide quality of life during their latter years. If there are young surplus animals at the placement facilities we may be asked to take them as well. This is how Sunny and Blue came to live with us. Born April 8, 2018
Sunny’s formal name is “Sinawava” – meaning “coyote” in Southern Paiute. Blue’s formal name is “Talapus” – meaning “coyote” in Chinook jargon.
COYOTE FACTS – CANIS LATRANS
Habitat: North America, all regions;
Lifespan: Wild 6-8 years; Captivity 12-16 years;
Diet: Omnivore;
Status: Least concern;
Interesting facts about coyotes:
Coyotes are members of the Canidae family, which includes wolves, foxes, and domestic dogs.
They are incredibly adaptable and can be found in a wide range of environments, from deserts to forests to urban areas.
Coyotes are omnivores, meaning they eat both meat and plants. Their diet can include small mammals, birds, insects, fruits, and vegetables.
They are monogamous and mate for life. Coyote pups are born in the spring and typically remain with their parents until they are about 8-9 months old.
Coyotes are known for their distinctive vocalizations, including howls, yips, and barks. They use these sounds to communicate with each other and establish their territory.
In many Native American cultures, coyotes are seen as tricksters and are often featured in myths and stories.
Myths and misconceptions about coyotes:
Myth: Coyotes are dangerous and will attack humans. In reality, coyote attacks on humans are rare and usually occur when the animal has become habituated to humans or feels threatened.
Myth: Coyotes are pests that need to be eliminated. Coyotes play an important role in their ecosystem by helping to control rodent populations and serving as prey for larger predators.
Myth: Coyotes are always seen alone. While coyotes are generally solitary animals, they do form packs in certain situations, such as when hunting or raising their young.
Myth: Coyotes are a threat to livestock. While coyotes may occasionally prey on livestock, studies have shown that predation by domestic dogs and other factors are often more significant contributors to livestock losses.
Myth: Coyotes are a non-native species that should be eradicated. Coyotes are native to North America and have been an important part of the ecosystem for thousands of years. Efforts to eradicate coyotes have been largely ineffective and can have unintended consequences, such as causing an increase in rodent populations.
