1. Long Legs and Lean Build: Coyotes are built for running, with long legs and a lean, muscular body. This allows them to chase prey over long distances and maneuver through dense vegetation.
2. Sharp Teeth and Jaws: Coyotes have powerful jaws and sharp teeth designed for tearing flesh and crushing bones. Their teeth are specialized for hunting and eating a variety of prey.
3. Keen Senses: Like most canids, coyotes have excellent senses of smell, hearing, and sight. This helps them locate prey, avoid danger, and communicate with other coyotes.
4. Adaptable Diet: Coyotes are opportunistic omnivores, meaning they can adapt their diet to the available food sources. They prey on a wide range of animals, from small rodents to deer, and also consume fruits, vegetables, and carrion.
5. Social Structure: Coyotes are highly social animals, living in packs with a dominant male and female. This social structure allows them to hunt more effectively, raise their young, and defend their territory.
6. Vocalizations: Coyotes communicate through a variety of vocalizations, including howls, barks, and yaps. This allows them to maintain contact with pack members, signal danger, and attract mates.
7. Large Home Ranges: Coyotes have large home ranges that can overlap with other packs. This allows them to access a greater variety of food sources and resources.
8. Nocturnal Habits: Coyotes are mostly nocturnal, which gives them an advantage in hunting prey that is less active at night.
It's important to note that these features are not unique to coyotes, but rather are shared with other canids, though the exact proportions may vary.