Coyotes: The Wild West’s Craftiest Outlaws

Well now, partner, let me tell ya a tale ‘bout one of the craftiest critters in the wild west—the coyote. These yappin’ varmints, known as Canis latrans to the fancy folk, are some of the toughest, most adaptable creatures to ever roam the plains. Whether you’re ridin’ the open range or settlin’ near town, you’ve probably crossed paths with one of these wily rascals.

Where Do Coyotes Roam?

Coyotes ain’t picky ‘bout where they set up shop. Once upon a time, they mostly stuck to the prairies and deserts of the west, but nowadays, you’ll find ‘em just about anywhere—from the snowy woods of Canada to the blisterin’ sands of Mexico. Heck, they’ve even moseyed their way into big cities, sneakin’ through alleyways and scroungin’ for scraps. They make their homes in forests, mountains, and right near our cattle ranches, always keepin’ a sharp eye out for their next meal.

Coyotes are mighty good at makin’ themselves at home just about anywhere. They dig out dens in hillsides, abandoned burrows, or under thick brush, usin’ whatever cover they can find to stay outta sight. In cities, they’ve been known to hole up in storm drains, under decks, and even in old, forgotten barns. They’re ghost-like when they wanna be, slippin’ through the shadows before you even know they’re there.

What’s on the Coyote’s Menu?

Now, these critters ain’t too fussy when it comes to grub. They’ll hunt down jackrabbits, prairie dogs, and mice if they can, but if the pickin’s are slim, they won’t turn up their noses at a bird, lizard, or even a handful of berries. They’re known to snatch up an unwatched chicken or two, and if they get real desperate, they’ll rifle through trash like an old prospector lookin’ for gold. That’s what makes ‘em such survivors—they take what they can get and keep on thrivin’.

Coyotes hunt both alone and in pairs, usin’ teamwork when the hunt calls for it. They’ll stalk their prey, lyin’ low in the grass, then charge at just the right moment. Sometimes, they work together to flush out bigger critters like deer fawns. But they ain’t just meat-eaters—these rascals love fruit, too. In the summer, you might find ‘em feastin’ on wild berries, apples, and even cactus fruit out in the desert.

How Big Are These Varmints?

Coyotes are a fair size for a wild canine. Most of ‘em weigh somewhere between 20 and 50 pounds, stand ‘bout knee-high, and stretch a good four feet from snout to tail. Their coats change color dependin’ on where they live, from dusty gray to reddish-brown, blendin’ right in with their surroundings. And don’t be fooled by their lean build—these fellas can hightail it up to 40 miles per hour when they need to make a getaway or run down their supper.

Even with their slender frames, coyotes are strong. They can leap over fences nearly six feet high and squeeze through the smallest of gaps. Their sharp eyes and keen noses help ‘em track down food from miles away. And when they let out their high-pitched yips and howls, it sounds like there’s a whole mess of ‘em, even if it’s just a couple callin’ out to each other across the plains.

Are Coyotes Dangerous to Folks and Their Critters?

Coyotes mostly steer clear of people, but they can be a might troublesome when it comes to small pets. A lone coyote might snatch a cat or a little dog if it gets the chance, especially at dawn or dusk when they’re most active. But attacks on humans? Now, that’s rarer than rain in the desert. Most times, they’re more scared of us than we are of them. If one gets too bold, best thing to do is make some racket—yell, wave your arms, throw a rock or two. They’ll high-tail it outta there quick as a rattlesnake in a dust storm.

Coyotes are smart, though. If they start gettin’ too comfortable ‘round folks, they can become a problem. That’s why it’s important not to feed ‘em or leave food lyin’ around. If a coyote loses its natural fear of humans, it might start gettin’ a little too bold for comfort. And when that happens, it’s time to remind ‘em that people ain’t to be messed with.

To keep ‘em from gettin’ too cozy ‘round your homestead, don’t go leavin’ food out, and keep your garbage locked up tight. And if you got pets, best keep ‘em inside at night, or at least close by where you can keep an eye on ‘em. Ranchers have been dealin’ with coyotes for generations, usin’ guard dogs, reinforced fences, and good ol’ fashioned watchfulness to keep their livestock safe.

Wrappin’ It Up

Coyotes are some of the smartest, toughest critters in the west. They may be a thorn in a rancher’s side now and then, but they also help keep the rodent population in check. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, they’re part of the land, just like the tumbleweeds and the sagebrush.

Some folks admire ‘em, callin’ ‘em nature’s tricksters—cunning, quick, and always a step ahead. Others see ‘em as pests, always causin’ trouble where they ain’t wanted. But no matter how you see ‘em, one thing’s for sure—coyotes ain’t goin’ nowhere. They’ve been here since before the first cattle drives, and they’ll be here long after we ride off into the sunset. So next time you hear that eerie yip-yappin’ under the moon, tip your hat to the coyote—nature’s original outlaw.