Coyote

Description:

Extremely widespread versatile canid, native to North America. Often observed hunting small rodents, but eats anything from insects to carrion. A pack may cooperate to take prey as large as elk, if the elk are hampered by deep snow and in poor condition. May cause serious losses to livestock producers so has been vilified. Mass 11.5 - 18 kg; females smaller than males.

Habitat:

Native prairie, grasslands, urban greenbelts and parks. Coyotes have accommodated to living among cities and sometimes take pets as prey. Packs dig a den to raise pups and hut nearby.

Notes:

This coyote was one of three investigating a beaver lodge located in a greenbelt along a series of ponds. After watching the area for an hour in broad daylight, they left.