Coyotes can now call every state (except Hawaii) home. Increased sightings of coyotes in Eastern cities and suburbs signals a return of large predators to the region, possibly filling a niche once held by a larger canid, the wolf.
The suburbs and cities serve up plenty of food for these omnivores. Coyotes feed on garbage, garden produce, road kill, even domestic dogs and cats!
Most Eastern coyotes are heavier and larger than those that live out west. Eastern coyotes are descended from coyotes that once lived in the Great Lakes region. Animals from northern climates are often larger because a larger body size helps them survive cold winters.
© 2006 Smithsonian Institution
