Arizona Coyotes
The specific name for Arizona Coyotes is Canis Latrans. These fascinating animals are common in both the rural and urban areas throughout Arizona. They tend to travel and hunt alone or in pairs, but they can form groups where food is abundant, as noted by Arizona Game and Fish. They are also very common in Arizona and they have become increasingly more visible as humans encroach their natural habitat. Over the years, these Arizona coyotes have adapted to humans and are no longer found solely in the Western plains and deserts. They have made their tracks throughout all parts of the country, except to Hawaii. Arizona coyotes generally do not pose a threat to humans, but there are reports of the Canis Latrans attacking humans. The information that I was able to find regarding attacks on humans all pretty much said the same thing, in that the very few attacks that have occurred, were on small children. These wild animals will attack your small cat or dog, so you do need to be aware of that. They will not generally attack dogs because they do not view dogs as prey, but I have heard on more than one local news story that another Canis Latrans attacked and or killed another dog that was innocently sitting in the backyard. Maybe these animals view some of these backyards as their territory, I don't know. But, I do know that if I had a dog, I would be extremely careful about leaving him/her outside without any solid and tall barrier. Like I said, they will attack dogs if they feel that the dog is a threat to its territory or its young. The few times that I have come close to a Canis Latrans, they have always run the other way, which is just fine, except for the fact that I am so anxious to get my first camera shot of one! How exciting that would be for me. It is not uncommon to hear local news channels reporting stories of how a deadly attack happened when their pet animal became the prey of this animal. It does happen and I have heard about these very unfortunate mishaps myself, and am constantly reminded that I personally need to be very careful when it comes to my own pet feline. Just because she thinks she is the biggest "lioness" that ever walked the desert floor in Arizona, she would definitely be a more than an appetizer to a pack of Canis Latrans. 
Arizona coyotes are very much alive here in the Sonoran desert and there isn't a week that goes by when you don't hear themhowling at night. You certainly do not have to be out camping in the woods to be able to hear their cries in the night. Sometimes just before the sun rises, I have heard them as well. It is usually around 5 AM. I have become quite used to their presence and am usually awakened when they are "on the prowl."
Arizona Game and Fish will tell you the coyote is the most commonly seen wild animal here in the state of Arizona and also an important fur resource. Where you will find them is usually in open areas where their food is plentiful. Basically, you will see Arizona coyotes wherever they are able to find a food source. My subdivision is no exception! As I previously mentioned before, I have witnessed many of them running around in the residential streets here in Gold Canyon and in Apache Junction, which is just several miles west of where I live. Each time that I have seen them, they were traveling by themselves and running at a very high rate of speed. And fast they are! These coyotes can ran as fast as 40 mph. On one occasion, I saw one just north of the US Highway 60 in Apache Junction. I was so fearful that he was going to get struck by a car, as he was just inches from my car on the off ramp from US Highway 60. I don't know what happened to him; I just remember hoping that he did not get hit by a passing vehicle. On that note, I have seen many coyotes lives ended when they were obviously hit by a car. You will commonly see many of them laying by the side of the road. As an animal lover, it makes me sad to this each and every time. For me, it is something that I just don't "get used to." You just feel for them. At least I do. They are primarily nocturnal hunters and the diet of a coyote is one of many small wild animals such as rabbits, rodents, such as mice, small deer, snakes, lizards, and of course the previously mentioned animal, domestic animals. One of the things that I learned when researching coyotes is that they will also eat fruits and vegetables, that according to Arizona Game and Fish. Their food requirements change during their breeding season as they will greatly increase their food intake. Generally speaking, Arizona coyotes stay fairly close to their home, but they have been known for this range to dramatically increase upwards to 100 miles or more. When hunting, they usually can be found by themselves or in pairs. However, they can sometimes be found in larger groups when the population density increases. Sometimes they will hunt in larger groups if food is very plentiful. If necessary, Arizona coyotes will also eat any leftover garbage that is carelessly left outside. It is important to note that they will also eat your pets food, if you leave it outdoors. So, if you live in Arizona, and you don't want to attract these wild animals from coming into your backyard, you should avoid leaving food outside and never throw food out for them, as they will become accustomed to this practice and begin to expect this. Adults will weigh anywhere from 20-30 pounds and are typically between 18-21 inches tall. Game and Fish report that coyotes length range anywhere from 42-50 inches with their average weights equaling about 21 and 17.5 pounds, respectively. Game and Fish also state that some males can reach weights as heavy as 35 pounds. If you have seen a coyotes ears, you know that they are distinctly different than a dogs ear. They are much more erect than a dogs ear. Other points to help you distinguish a dog from a coyote are as follows. Canis Latrans have black patches found at the base and tip of the tail. They also have dark markings on the outer areas of their coat. You will also see gray and rust coloring on their neck and on the sides of their bodies. You will also see that they will carry their tail lower than that of a dog. Though some might believe that they will breed with other dogs or wolves, Arizona Game and Fish discount this idea. When the female produces a litter, she will usually have 4-5 pups. The pups are born in dens which can include such areas where adequate vegetation will conceal the Arizona coyotes den. Their breeding season is between the months of mid-January and March 15 and go go through a short two-month gestation period. Almost "right out of the gate," as they say, the young little coyotes are pretty independent at just the tender age of one month. The pups will remain with their parents until they are about 8-10 weeks old, which is summer as well as early fall. Until they leave the den, the pups are fed their parents regurgitated food. I discovered some other interesting facts, thanks to Arizona State University. Their research shows that they will stay with their mates for life. The university also stated that while on average the females give birth up to 12 pups every year, however only an average of 5-20 percent will actually survive. Born blind, the pups eyesight develops at about the three-week mark. Another interesting fact is that although both parents care for the pups, the mother Canis Latran will not allow the male to enter the den. In addition, a coyote is "digitigrades," which means that they walk on their toes. Those were some very interesting facts and stories about the Arizona Coyotes. I hope you enjoyed them as much as I did! Return From Arizona Coyotes To Arizona Wildlife
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