Coyote

Coyote

Canis latrans

Coyotes exhibit phenotypic, behavioral and dietary plasticity, meaning they are highly adaptive to changing landscapes. Over the past century, human-caused habitat alteration and removal of competing predators have enabled coyotes to rapidly expand their range from the Great Plains of North America to most of Canada and Central America.

Facts

Length: 0.7-0.9 m (2.5 to 2.8 ft)

Weight: 7-23 kg (15 to 50 lbs)

Conservation Status: Least concern

Tracking

The Northern Blue Ridge and Piedmont Regions of Virginia are predominantly comprised of private agricultural lands dedicated to crop and livestock production (e.g., cattle, horses, sheep and goats). The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) is located on the border of these regions and, when combined with the adjacent Shenandoah National Park, serves as an ideal corridor for coyotes to move across a wide range of habitats.

Coyote in a field

Smithsonian scientists are studying the movement ecology of coyotes utilizing SCBI and adjacent properties. The findings from this research will provide valuable insights into the relationship between coyote movements and multiple land uses. By understanding how coyotes move across a gradient of hunting, recreation, and development pressures, we aim to help rural landowners make informed decisions about predator management in a changing environment.

Coyote walking in a field