The coyote's name is derived from the Aztec word "coyotl". It is a member of the dog family (canids) which includes wolves, dogs and foxes, and resembles a small German Shepherd. Adults coyotes weigh an average of 20 to 35 pounds, with males being about 4 pounds heavier than females. Coyotes weighing over 50 pounds are more common in the northern and northeastern portions of their range than elsewhere. An adult coyote is four to five feet long from the tip of its nose to the tip of its tail.

Although coyotes avoid wolves and dogs under normal conditions, they occasionally mate with them and create hybrid offspring that are usually larger than a typical coyote. This usually happens where wolf densities are low or on the edge of the coyote's range.

Coyotes inhabit all life zones of the Desert Southwest from low valley floors to the crest of the highest mountains, but especially on open plains, grasslands and high mesas. Its natural habitat is open grassland, but it will move to wherever food is available.

Some studies indicate that in the desert, valleys and low foothills, Coyotes occupy a range of no more than 10 or 12 square miles. In mountainous areas they probably have both a summer and winter range, as heavy snows drive them to lower elevations.

Coyotes require a minimum of shelter during most of the year. They usually simply curl up in a concealed, protected spot, though they do use dens for whelping and rearing pups. A coyote seldom digs its own den, instead, it uses natural cavities or modifies abandoned woodchuck or badger dens. The female coyote usually selects several den sites in concealed locations and moves her litter if she is disturbed in one location.

Coyotes are opportunistic carnivores and take advantage of seasonal changes in the abundance of food items. Rabbits, deer fawns, various plants and assorted birds and invertebrates are importantsummer food. Their winter diet emphasizes larger prey, such as deer (prey or carrion), livestock carrion, rabbits and hares. Occasionally, an individual coyote learns that sheep, lambs and calves are easy prey.

Coyotes are capable of breeding at one year of age but do so infrequently. Most are two years old when they breed for the first time. The percentage of females that breed is dependent on food availability and coyote density. Pups are born nine weeks after breeding occurs. The litter size depends on the age of the mother and the amount of available prey in the area. A scarcity of prey results in fewer females breeding and producing smaller litters. There are usually four to seven pups in a litter under average conditions. The pups join parents on hunting trips when they reach eight to 10 weeks of age and they begin to disperse in the fall, but some pups may not leave the family group for up to two years. When a pup leaves the family group it usually relocates within five to 10 miles, but records show some have traveled in excess of 300 miles.

Coyotes, if fed regularly by people, will come to depend on people for their food. They won't starve if you stop feeding them, but they will be hungry and unafraid of people. They can get very aggressive in approaching other people. Some of the national parks now have coyotes that are begging for food. Children and adults being bitten by coyotes in California, Arizona and other states. The most danger is in urban areas where young coyotes have learned to steal and beg for food. If they can't find food, then the small animals in the neighborhood will become their targets to solve their need for food. Children will also be at risk of being bitten.

Coyotes are not your average dog -- they are not to be messed with. They are smart, and they learn quickly. They can be dangerous, and when it comes to urban coyotes, steps should be taken to avoid encouraging them to visit your neighborhood. That means close garbage can lids tightly, do not leave pet food outside and do not leave small pets outside unaccompanied.

Coyotes love nothing better than cats and frequently take small dogs. Inform neighbors of your sighting and encourage them to take steps to NOT attract the clever little varmints. Remember: Make sure that no pet food is ever left outdoors.