Coyotes (Canis latrans) are highly adaptable and resilient members of the canine family native to North America. Here’s a description of coyotes and their distribution:

Description of the Coyote:

• Appearance: Coyotes resemble medium-sized dogs, with a slender, agile build, pointed ears, and a bushy tail. They typically have grayish-brown fur, although coloration can vary widely depending on region and individual genetics. Coyotes are smaller than wolves but larger than foxes, with adult individuals typically weighing between 7 to 21 kilograms (15 to 46 pounds).
• Behavior: Coyotes are highly adaptable and opportunistic predators, with a diverse diet that includes small mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, fruits, and carrion. They are known for their intelligence, resourcefulness, and ability to thrive in a wide range of habitats, including forests, grasslands, deserts, and urban areas. Coyotes are primarily nocturnal and crepuscular, although they may be active during the day, especially in areas with little human activity.
• Breeding: Coyotes typically form monogamous pairs during the breeding season, which occurs from late winter to early spring. Females give birth to litters of pups in dens, usually located in burrows, hollow logs, or brush piles. Both parents participate in caring for the pups, which are weaned at around six weeks of age and become independent at around six to nine months.
• Communication: Coyotes are vocal animals and use a variety of vocalizations to communicate with each other, including howls, yips, barks, and growls. Howling is particularly important for long-distance communication and territorial defense, with individuals often forming choruses to reinforce social bonds and establish territory boundaries.
• Conservation Status: Coyotes are not considered globally threatened and are classified as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, they are subject to persecution and control measures in some areas due to conflicts with humans, livestock predation, and concerns about the spread of diseases such as rabies.

Distribution: Coyotes are found throughout much of North America, from Canada and the United States to Mexico and Central America. They inhabit a wide range of ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, deserts, mountains, and urban areas. Coyotes are particularly abundant in regions where suitable habitat and prey are available, and they have successfully expanded their range in response to human alterations of the landscape.

While coyotes are not specifically associated with particular counties, they are commonly found in rural, suburban, and even urban areas across their range. They may be more abundant in counties with diverse habitats, ample prey populations, and limited human disturbance. Coyotes are known for their adaptability and ability to coexist with humans, often thriving in landscapes where other large predators have been extirpated.