A CLEVER CANINE.The coyote coyote (kī`ōt, kīō`tē) or prairie wolf, small, swift wolf, Canis latrans, native to W North America. It is found in deserts, prairies, open woodlands, and brush country; it is also called brush wolf. has been pursued by humans for hundreds of years. Some consider the coyote a dangerous pest, while others appreciate the coyote's help in keeping rodents under control. Despite years of being hunted and trapped, the clever coyote remains common. Originally the coyote lived west of the Mississippi Mississippi, state, United States Mississippi (mĭs'əsĭp`ē), one of the Deep South states of the United States. It is bordered by Alabama (E), the Gulf of Mexico (S), Arkansas and Louisiana, with most of the border formed by . But it has not only survived in its original habitat, it has increased its territory. Now coyotes can be found as far north as Alaska Alaska (əlă`skə), largest in area of the United States but third smallest (exceeding only Vermont and Wyoming) in population, occupying the northwest extremity of the North American continent, separated from the coterminous United States and as far south as Costa Rica Costa Rica (kŏs`tə rē`kə), officially Republic of Costa Rica, republic (2005 est. pop. 4,016,000), 19,575 sq mi (50,700 sq km), Central America. . The distant howl of the coyote is intended to discourage other coyotes, but it also reminds us of its remarkable ability to survive and thrive wherever it goes. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Height 2 feet at the shoulder Weight 15 to 50 pounds Length 4 feet, including its tail Running Speed up to 40 miles per hour Jumping Height up to 12 feet |
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