Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, May 27, 1990 TAG: 9005250032
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: E12 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Patricia C. Held
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
But the coyote is no longer restricted to the West. It now inhabits the mountains and rolling hills of Virginia. The coyote has spread across the United States and into our state. Although not yet abundant in our area, they occasionally can be seen in both grassy pastures and mountain terrain here.
The coyote is a nocturnal animal, so the chances of ever seeing one are slim. But the coyote's howling calls are quite distinctive. And while local populations are not large enough to make the eerie wailing as common as it is out West, it has can be heard here on occasion.
The coyote looks like a big dog, almost collie-sized. Coyotes are bigger than foxes, and runs with their tails held down. The coyote has a sharp face and erect ears. Its shaggy coat is a sandy reddish grey with white markings inside its ears and around its throat and mouth.
How did the coyote ever manage to move all the way from its original territory in the Far West? It is not a migratory animal, but it will emigrate considerable distances to establish new ranges. When areas became overpopulated with coyotes, they were forced to expand their range and moved eastward.
The first sightings in the East were in New York State in 1912. Their numbers have increased steadily since.
The coyote will only travel far enough to fill its stomach. So, when food is plentiful it stays put with its home range extending between two to three miles. When food becomes scarce in the colder months their range may reach 100 miles.
Coyotes' food preferences vary considerably. Often described as opportunistic, they eat whatever they can find. Rodents, rabbits, fish, frogs, squirrels, birds and carrion are among the coyotes' fare. They will also enjoy berries, cherries and even a watermelon, if they can find one that is ripe.
The coyotes' predatory nature have made them very unpopular. On occasion, poultry, calves and sheep are among their prey. Through the vigorous efforts of predator control programs thousands of coyotes are killed each year. Yet despite two centuries of intensive control measures, their numbers increase and they keep extending their range.
Coyotes are well known for their intelligence. They will team up during hunting if necessary. One will drive the prey toward another's waiting jaws. Another measure of intelligence is their fondness for play.
Breeding season occurs in mid-winter and this is the only time when coyotes actually den up. At other times their shelter is under a bush or rock overhang. Coyotes mate for at least several years. Their den is generally along a river bank where the soil is easy to move or in rock caves. An average litter of pups is five to seven, but large litters of up to 19 are possible. The pups are off on their own by the end of the summer after they have spent the season following the parents and learning how to hunt and fend for themselves. At times coyotes will breed with dogs, and their offspring are called "coy-dogs".
There is no doubt that few animals arouse as much controversy as the coyote. While some favor wiping these creatures out entirely, others believe in giving them protection. Since this country was settled there has always been a bounty on coyotes somewhere in the United States, but the bounty has yet to reduce their numbers. Today there are more coyotes than ever, and they inhabit more places than ever before.
by CNB