Coyote "Coyote Howling" Poster

The coyote is a prominent character in Native American folklore, usually depicted as a trickster that alternately assumes the form of a coyote or a man. The coyote is a canine native to North America, mainly in the Southwestern United States and Mexico and is smaller than its close relative, the grey wolf. Coyote pups are born in dens, hollow trees, or under ledges, and weigh roughly 1/2 to 1 lb at birth. The pups attain adult size and weight at 8 to 9 months. Average weight for the coyote is roughly 18 to 44 lbs. with some reaching close to 70 lbs. The male will bring food to his pregnant mate and plays an active role in feeding, grooming and guarding the young pups. The coyote has been described as "the most vocal of all wild North American mammals". At least 11 different vocalizations are known in adult coyotes. The group “yip howl” is emitted when two or more pack members reunite and and is part of a complex greeting ceremony. The lone howl is the most iconic sound of the coyote, and sometimes may serve the purpose of announcing the presence of a lone individual separated from its pack.