Coyote, the Trickster of Myth and Legend
The coyote is a complex animal, both from a scientific perspective and in folklore. We can marvel at its adaptability. It is one of the great terrestrial predators. It has managed to survive despite the conflicts with man. It has endured development and habitat encroachment.
Others view coyotes as pests. They represent economic losses through livestock predation. Some consider coyotes a menace and a danger to society. Society will not forgive the coyote's sins against our pets, nor the fear it strikes in man's heart when he hears the wailing of coyotes while alone in the wilderness.
The coyote is equally admired and despised in folklore. He is known as the Trickster or the Old Man. He is seen as either cunning or foolish. The Nez Perce tell a story of the creator-father, featuring the heroics of the coyote.
For all of its contradictions, the coyote is still a fascinating creature. Join me on a journey into the world of the coyote.
Photo by Andy Panda
Others view coyotes as pests. They represent economic losses through livestock predation. Some consider coyotes a menace and a danger to society. Society will not forgive the coyote's sins against our pets, nor the fear it strikes in man's heart when he hears the wailing of coyotes while alone in the wilderness.
The coyote is equally admired and despised in folklore. He is known as the Trickster or the Old Man. He is seen as either cunning or foolish. The Nez Perce tell a story of the creator-father, featuring the heroics of the coyote.
For all of its contradictions, the coyote is still a fascinating creature. Join me on a journey into the world of the coyote.
Photo by Andy Panda
My Experiences With Coyotes
Maybe like many of you, my encounters with coyotes have been few. One of my more memorable experiences was when I was camping. The campground was fairly deserted. There had been another group of campers that had been drinking and carrying on into the night. Finally, at some point, the noise stopped and night settled in.
I don't know how long I was asleep. It felt like hours. Something startled me awake. It was still night. Everything around me was still. Then, I heard it. The silence of the night was broken by the yips and cries of a coyote pack. The hair on the back of my neck stood up. I recall that dreaded feeling when you feel as if you're about to faint. The sounds kept getting closer and closer. Then the pack took off. Silence returned.
Since that time, I've seen coyotes in the wild a few times. Every time, the coyote was sure that the space between him and me was very far. Even in urban areas where you'd think the coyote was used to people, he may let them get close. No way. Coyote is what he is today because he keeps his distance.
I don't know how long I was asleep. It felt like hours. Something startled me awake. It was still night. Everything around me was still. Then, I heard it. The silence of the night was broken by the yips and cries of a coyote pack. The hair on the back of my neck stood up. I recall that dreaded feeling when you feel as if you're about to faint. The sounds kept getting closer and closer. Then the pack took off. Silence returned.
Since that time, I've seen coyotes in the wild a few times. Every time, the coyote was sure that the space between him and me was very far. Even in urban areas where you'd think the coyote was used to people, he may let them get close. No way. Coyote is what he is today because he keeps his distance.
All Things Coyote
Coyote Facts
Though primarily carnivores, the coyote diet will vary with the season. During the spring and summer, coyotes will eat wild plants. During the fall, coyotes may prey on livestock. During the winter months, coyotes will take rodents and other small wildlife.
Exploring the Great Outdoors
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Coyote Natural History
- Weight: 20 to 50 pounds
- Length: 40 to 60 inches, including its tail
- Lifespan: Up to 10 or more years in the wild
- Running Speed: Up to 40 mph
- Number of young: 2 to 12 per litter
Coyote Resources
- Project Wildlife
- Living with coyotes
- Michigan Department of Natural Resources
- Coyote facts
- National Geographic
- Facts and pictures
More Coyote Myths
-
Coyotes are dangerous.
FACT: While there have been reports of coyote attacks, coyotes have a natural fear of humans and will avoid them. -
Coyotes only eat meat.
FACT: Coyotes are opportunistic animals, with their diet varying seasonally with available food. They are not strictly meat eaters. -
Coyotes attack any other animal entering its territory.
FACT: Coyotes, especially single animals, will travel great distances. Their territories are only defended during the mating season. -
The only good coyote is a dead coyote.
FACT: Coyotes can provide important rodent control in agricultural areas. -
Coyotes are only found in the woods.
FACT: Coyotes prefer open space and brushy areas. Coyotes are very secretive and are always on the lookout for other animals or people in the area.
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More Coyote Facts
The coyote's scientific name is ``Canis latrans``, which means ``barking dog."
Can't Get Enough of Coyotes
Names in the Folklore
- The Trickster
- The Tricky One
- Loki
- Old-Man Coyote
- Wile E. Coyote
- Mica
- Skinkuts
- Ma'ii
Coyote as Pack Animals
More Coyote Information
- Desert USA
- Natural history of desert coyotes
- Kids Op
- Fun coyote facts for kids
- Colorado Division of Wildlife
- Living with coyotes
- Nature Works
- Teaching guides
More Coyote Facts
Less than 20 percent of coyote pups survive their first year.
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wayfarer
My name is Chris. I am a Minnesota artist, specializing in watercolor landscapes of the North Country. Weborg Lodge combines two of my passions - painting... more »
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