What Are Canadian Coyotes?

The coyote is a widespread species ranging from Canada all the way down to Panama. Throughout this range, 19 subspecies exist and the one found almost exclusively in Canada is the northern coyote. It is similar to other subspecies in most ways, but in certain aspects the northern coyote is different.

  1. Description

    • The northern coyote, Canis latrans incolatus, is fundamentally similar in appearance to all other coyotes and is a medium-sized canid. It's generally one of the largest subspecies and has been known to grow to over 5 feet in length and weigh up to 74 lbs. The average size is around 3 feet and weighs up to 46 lbs. Coat color tends to be the same as other species, a yellow-gray. They are distinguished from domestic dogs by their large pointed ears.

    Habitat and Range

    • The northern coyote ranges from central Saskatchewan northward, westward through Alberta and into the whole of Alaska. The coyote is an adaptable animal and can live in a variety of habitats including forests, plains and swamp areas. It is also found often near human habitation, scavenging for scraps and waste from homes as well as eating livestock and family pets. They live in ground dens, which are often enlarged badger or woodchuck holes, sometimes in small packs or as a solitary animal.

    Diet and Predators

    • The northern coyote, like all other subspecies, has a diet made up of 90 percent small mammals. Ground squirrels, rabbits and mice are all common prey for coyotes. Birds and insects are also part of the northern coyote's diet along with potentially scavenged food from humans. Sharing some of its range with gray wolves and grizzly bears, the northern coyote may well fall prey to either of these large carnivores.

    Life Cycle

    • Coyotes form breeding pairs which can remain together for a few seasons but not usually for life. Breeding takes place in late winter with pregnancies taking 50 to 65 days, on average. Litters can be as large as 19 pups, but the average is 5 with both parents sharing the burden of feeding the young. At 6 to 9 months male pups leave the den, while the females stay with their parents forming a small pack. In the wild coyotes can live for up to 10 years of age.