Coyote (Pups and Female)

Description:

Large dog like carnivore with a thick grayish-brown pelt with redder highlights around the ears and muzzle. Whiter coloration on the underside.

Habitat:

It originally ranged primarily in the western half of North America in the praire, but it has adapted readily to the changes caused by human presence and, since the early 19th century, has been steadily and dramatically extending its range. Sightings now commonly occur in a majority of the United States and Canada. Coyotes inhabit nearly every contiguous U.S. state and Alaska. Coyotes have moved into most of the areas of North America formerly occupied by wolves, and are often observed foraging in suburban areas.

Notes:

Driving to work this morning I noticed a fuzzy "dog butt" sleeping in the shade of a tree near a huge park. I thought it was odd to see a dog just off the road, so I pulled into the park to see a female coyote resting in the shade. She didn't look injured and wasn't bothered at all by my presence and continued to nap. She looked thin and absolutely exhausted. Even though I was now late for a meeting I stayed and watched her for a while. She eventually got up stretched her legs and walked over to a small drainage pipe. Suddenly I realized why she looked so thin and exhausted. She was a mama with 6-8 week old pups! I saw three pups total. Mama checked in on her pups and walked over to another shady tree. I respected her space and kept my distance. The last thing I wanted to do was have this tired coyote to waste any more energy chasing me away. The den is in a horrible location. Right at an intersection. While I sat and watched the mother rest in the shade, a couple pushing a baby stroller walked within 3 feet of her. They didn't even know she was there and the coyote didn't seem to mind the road or people traffic. I let the family be and drove to work. I will check on them again in the morning...or maybe tonight! I am very excited to have found them, I just hope they stay safe and that the neighborhood people leave them alone!