The wily coyote

JEROME - One of the most common canine carnivores in the country and common to Idaho is the coyote. Coyotes can be found nearly everywhere from urban to high mountain environments and range from Central America to Alaska. They are not large animals and as adults only weigh between 22 to 45 pounds. Like most predators they come in a wide range of coloration that vary from grayish brown to a yellowish gray on the upper parts with the throat and belly generally whitish. The coyote's tail, which is half the body length, is bottle shaped with a black tip. There is also a scent gland located on the dorsal base of the tail. Like most canine they molt one time each year during the summer months. Coyotes have begun the molting stage in the Magic Valley. Coyotes are significantly smaller than the gray wolf and much larger than foxes. People can tell the difference between them and domesticated dogs by their pointed, erect ears and drooping tail, which it holds below its back when it is running. Like most canine's, coyotes are versatile in their eating habits. They are essentially carnivorous. Making up the other 10 percent of their diets are plants. Coyotes will consume leaves of balsam fir and white cedar, strawberry and apple. Coyotes are less likely to form packs than are wolves. Hunting takes place around the den and is done individually, in pairs, or in family units.