Coyote
(Adopted 1949)

Larger than a fox but smaller than a wolf. It is gray or reddish gray, with rusty legs, feet, and ears, and white underparts. Unlike wolves, the Coyote runs with its tail held down between its legs. It also has larger ears than a wolf. The Coyote is active day and night and can be seen in most western wildlife refuges and parks. It usually hunts alone, for rabbits, hares, mice, ground squirrels, birds, frogs, and snakes. It can run up to 40 mph to catch faster prey. Occasionally, several Coyotes may down a larger animal such as a deer. Coyotes also feed on carrion (dead animals). Populations in the West are increasing, despite trapping, shooting, and poisoning by ranchers. Coyotes have adapted to suburbia in the West and have spread east to Massachusetts. A Coyote may weigh up to 50 pounds.