Animal Research: Meat Eaters

Animal Research: Meat Eaters

What has big ears, eats meat, and runs in packs? Coyotes! When you think of a coyote, what pops into your mind? Maybe you think of a big dog or maybe you think of a plain dog. You may be surprised to know that coyotes eat watermelon. Coyotes are cute, fast animals. If you would like to know more about coyotes you are in the right place.

Growth

They vary in color, from light yellow to brown yellow and can be tipped with black. They have large pointed ears and a bushy tail. Adults measure from 23-25 inches high and weigh between 20-50 pounds. Female coyotes only give birth to 1 or 2 pups every spring. Coyotes can communicate with eleven different sounds, body language, and scent.

Habitat

They are very adaptable because they can easily change their behavior to survive. They have keen intelligence and senses that help them adapt to the different habitats: forests, deserts, prairies, mountains, suburbs, cities, and golf courses. The populations of coyotes are increasing while other animal species are decreasing. They once lived only in prairies and deserts in the western United States and Mexico but now live anywhere in North America. These animals prefer to live in open grass lands and the edges of woodlands. Now they can be found in the mid-west and the north-eastern United States. They also live in Alaska and the southern and western parts of Canada. They Select a mate and stay with that one mate for life.

Diet

Coyotes are mainly carnivores or meat eaters, but sometimes they eat plants. They catch and kill animals for food. Small coyotes hunt small rodents, such as: prairie dogs, mice, and rabbits. They scavenge for food by looking up in the sky for ravens circling in the air, then go search for the dead animals. Coyotes also prey on: antelopes, goats, sheep, rats, squirrels, lizards, insects, and chickens. They also eat things like: watermelon, berries, and even garbage.

Conclusion

Imagine you are in a dark forest; there are female and male coyotes around you, suddenly a coyote sneaks up on you. You scream and the coyote turns and runs away. Then, you run off. Think about all the things you have learned about coyotes: how they grow, how they identify themselves, also where and how they live. They more you learn about coyotes the more wonderful they become! So, the next time you are in the forest take a careful look around. Think of how lucky you could be to spot a coyote!