The coyote is a member of the same family to which foxes, dogs, and wolves belong. The word coyote is derived from the Aztec coyotl, which means "trickster". This animal’s sharpened instincts, adaptability, intelligence, keen senses and hardiness demonstrates the adaptability of the coyote. It is one of the few species found throughout virtually all of North America and are increasing their presence in urban areas. Coyotes are most active at night, in the early morning, and late evening hours. They rely upon their acute sense of smell and keen hearing and eyesight for hunting prey and avoiding possible danger.

The coyote is the most persecuted animal in North America. Coyotes have been hunted, poisoned, dug out of dens, caught utilizing leg hold traps, strangled with neck snares, shot, gassed, and burned. New control strategies and programs continue to be implemented but to no avail. The US Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services has determined that killing coyotes does not diminish coyote populations.
Surprisingly, these efforts to control coyote populations have not decimated the animal’s numbers. In fact, the coyote’s range and numbers have increased. Violently disruptive measures cause packs of coyotes to splinter, allowing younger males to breed with females, a task usually reserved for the alpha male in a pack structure. The absence of a hierarchical structure results in an increase in coyote population. New coyote packs require new territory, and coyotes cover an increased amount of land in search of food sources.

Habits: Coyotes have an extensive range across the United States. The adaptability of the coyote and its acute sense of survival make it difficult to identify preferred habitat, although they most typically are associated with open plains in the West and brushy areas in the East. In Texas, they range throughout the state. Their opportunistic nature has provided them the full advantage of surviving in a rapidly changing environment. Coyotes are territorial, with the males marking their boundaries. The size of the territory is directly related to the quality of the habitat, and often it can take several square miles to support a coyote family. The basic social unit is the family group, comprised of a mated pair and their offspring. Non-family coyotes include bachelor males, non-reproductive females, and near-mature young. They may live alone or form loose associations of two to six animals. One animal in such "packs" usually is dominant, but the interaction among pack members is only temporary.

Diet: The food habits of coyotes are varied. They are opportunists and make use of anything that can be eaten — garbage, carrion, rabbits, rodents, fresh meat, insects, frogs, snakes, fruits, melons, and so forth. In urban settings pet food, pets themselves (primarily cats), human food wastes, and garden vegetables become alternative food sources.

Reproduction: Coyotes are considered monogamous, with pairs remaining together for several years, although not necessarily for life. They breed from mid-January to early March and after a gestation period of 63 to 65 days, a normal litter size is two to 12, averaging about six. During the weeks following the birth, the male will bring food to the family, but the female will not allow him inside the den. Nursery dens are usually located in brush covered slopes, steep banks, thickets, hollow logs, or rock ledges. Rarely is no den provided for the young. The eyes of newborn pups open at about 9 days of age and by October or November the young are difficult to distinguish from their parents. Few coyotes live more than 6-8 years in the wild. Losses are due mainly to predation, parasites, disease, and man. Mortality is particularly high for pups, who are vulnerable to hawks, owls, eagles, and even other coyotes.

Problems: Individual coyotes can become predators of cats and small dogs