Coyotes are one of the most adaptable animals in North America, capable of thriving in environments ranging from dense forests to urban areas. With their keen intelligence and diverse diet, coyotes have expanded their range significantly over the past century.
Initially limited to the prairies and deserts of the western United States, these resilient canids are now found across almost the entire continent.1 Despite their reputation, coyotes are crucial in controlling rodent populations and maintaining ecological balance.
Here are the unique traits of the 19 distinct types.
1. Eastern Coyote (Canis latrans var.)
The eastern coyote is a hybrid, a fascinating mix of western coyotes, wolves, and domestic dogs. This species is primarily found in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. Known for its larger size compared to its western counterparts, the eastern coyote has a robust build that enables it to take down larger prey, including deer.
These coyotes are incredibly adaptable, thriving in both rural and urban environments. Their diet is diverse, ranging from small mammals and birds to fruits and garbage, showcasing their opportunistic feeding habits.
The Eastern Coyote’s ability to live close to human settlements without much conflict highlights their impressive adaptability and intelligence.
2. Mexican Coyote (Canis latrans cagottis)
The Mexican Coyote is native to central Mexico and is smaller and darker than its northern relatives. This species prefers habitats that range from deserts and plains to forested regions, reflecting its adaptability to different environments. They are often seen in the Sierra Madre Occidental and Oriental mountain ranges.
Mexican Coyotes have a varied diet that includes small mammals, insects, fruits, and occasionally livestock, sometimes leading to conflicts with humans. Despite these challenges, they remain an integral part of the ecosystem, controlling rodent populations and dispersing seeds through their scat.
3. Plains Coyote (Canis latrans latrans)
As the name suggests, the Plains Coyote inhabits the vast plains of North America, stretching from Canada to central Mexico. They are slender and agile, well-adapted to the open landscapes where they primarily hunt small mammals like rabbits and rodents.
Plains Coyotes are known for their distinctive vocalizations, often heard howling and yipping at dawn and dusk. These sounds serve as communication tools within packs and to establish territory. Their ability to thrive in agricultural areas demonstrates their resilience and adaptability to human-altered landscapes.
4. California Valley Coyote (Canis latrans ochropus)
Found primarily in California’s valleys, this species is characterized by its reddish-brown coat and white underbelly. The California Valley Coyote is well-suited to the region’s warm climate and diverse habitats, including grasslands, deserts, and forests.
Their diet is highly varied, consisting of small mammals, birds, reptiles, and even insects. They are also known to scavenge, making use of whatever resources are available. This opportunistic feeding strategy helps them survive in areas with fluctuating food availability.
5. Mountain Coyote (Canis latrans lestes)
The Mountain Coyote roams the rugged terrains of the Rocky Mountains and the Great Basin. They are larger and have thicker fur than other species, an adaptation to the colder climates of their high-altitude habitats.
These coyotes are skilled hunters, preying on small mammals, birds, and occasionally larger animals like deer fawns. Their keen sense of smell and hearing aids them in tracking and hunting prey in challenging mountainous terrain. The Mountain Coyote’s resilience in harsh environments showcases their remarkable adaptability.
6. Northwest Coast Coyote (Canis latrans umpquensis)
Inhabiting the coastal regions from northern California to British Columbia, the Northwest Coast Coyote is distinguished by its grayish-brown fur and bushy tail. This species is adapted to the wet, forested environments of the Pacific Northwest.
Their diet includes small mammals, birds, and marine life like fish and crabs. The proximity to coastal areas provides a unique food source that other coyote species may not exploit. This species’ ability to thrive in coastal forests highlights their ecological versatility.
7. Mearns’ Coyote (Canis latrans mearnsi)
Mearns’ Coyote is found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, primarily in desert and scrubland environments. They are relatively small and light-colored, blending well with their arid surroundings.
Their diet consists mainly of small mammals, birds, and reptiles, with a notable ability to hunt in harsh, dry climates. Mearns’ Coyotes are adept at conserving water and finding food in environments where resources are scarce, illustrating their impressive survival skills.
8. Texas Plains Coyote (Canis latrans texensis)
The Texas Plains Coyote resides in the open plains and prairies of Texas and surrounding areas. They have a lean build and are well-adapted to their habitat’s hot, dry conditions.
These coyotes primarily hunt small mammals but are also known to scavenge and consume plant matter. Their adaptability to both natural and urban environments in Texas demonstrates their flexible nature and ability to coexist with humans.
9. Peninsula Coyote (Canis latrans peninsulae)
Native to the Baja California Peninsula, the Peninsula Coyote is smaller and has a lighter coat than other species. They are well-adapted to the peninsula’s desert and coastal environments.
Their diet varies, including small mammals, birds, and marine organisms. Peninsula Coyotes play a crucial role in their ecosystem by controlling rodent populations and acting as scavengers.
10. San Pedro Martir Coyote (Canis latrans clepticus)
This species is named after the San Pedro Martir mountain range in Baja, California, where it is primarily found. The San Pedro Martir Coyote has a thick coat suitable for the cooler mountainous environment.
Their diet includes small to medium-sized mammals, birds, and insects. These coyotes are solitary hunters, relying on their keen senses to locate prey in the rugged terrain. Their survival in a specific and challenging habitat highlights their specialized adaptations.
11. Durango Coyote (Canis latrans vigilis)
The Durango Coyote is found in the highlands of Durango, Mexico. It is medium-sized and has a coat that ranges from gray to reddish-brown, providing camouflage in the diverse habitats it occupies.
These coyotes have a varied diet, including small mammals, birds, and plants. Their ability to adapt to both forested and open areas demonstrates their ecological flexibility. Durango Coyotes play a vital role in maintaining the balance of their local ecosystems.
12. Colima Coyote (Canis latrans dickeyi)
Native to the Colima region in Mexico, the Colima Coyote is small and dark-furred. It is well-suited to the tropical and subtropical climates of its habitat and thrives in forested and mountainous areas.
Their diet includes small mammals, birds, and fruit, reflecting their omnivorous nature. Colima Coyotes are essential for seed dispersal and controlling rodent populations, highlighting their ecological importance in their native regions.
13. Honduras Coyote (Canis latrans hondurensis)
The Honduras Coyote is found in the mountainous regions of Honduras and nearby areas. Compared to other species, it has a darker and denser coat, an adaptation to the cooler, wetter climate.
Their diet consists of small mammals, birds, and insects. These coyotes are adept hunters and scavengers, playing a critical role in their ecosystem by controlling prey populations and cleaning up carrion.
14. Salvador Coyote (Canis latrans salvadorensis)
The Salvador Coyote is a smaller species with a reddish coat that inhabits El Salvador and surrounding regions. It prefers forested and mountainous habitats, where it can find ample food sources.
Salvador coyotes’ diet is diverse, including small mammals, birds, and fruits. They are key to their ecosystems, aiding in seed dispersal and controlling pest populations.
15. Guatemalan Coyote (Canis latrans goldmani)
The Guatemalan Coyote is native to the highlands of Guatemala. They are small and light-colored, well-suited to the cooler mountainous climate. These coyotes are adapted to various habitats, from forests to grasslands.
Their diet includes small mammals, birds, and insects, reflecting their opportunistic feeding behavior. Guatemalan Coyotes play an essential role in their ecosystems by controlling prey populations and dispersing seeds.
16. Belize Coyote (Canis latrans belizensis)
Found in Belize and nearby regions, the Belize Coyote is characterized by its medium size and mixed fur coloration. They thrive in tropical and subtropical climates, often inhabiting forested areas.
Their diet is varied, including small mammals, birds, and fruits. Belize Coyotes contribute to their ecosystems by managing rodent populations and aiding in seed dispersal.
17. Costa Rican Coyote (Canis latrans costaricensis)
The Costa Rican Coyote is native to Costa Rica’s diverse habitats, including forests, grasslands, and coastal areas. It is medium-sized and has a coat that blends well with its environment.
Costa Rican coyotes eat small mammals, birds, reptiles, and fruits. They are crucial for maintaining ecological balance by controlling prey populations and dispersing seeds. Their adaptability to various environments showcases their resilience.
18. Nicaraguan Coyote (Canis latrans nicaraguensis)
In Nicaragua, the Nicaraguan Coyote is well-adapted to the country’s varied landscapes, from forests to grasslands. It is medium-sized and has a coat that provides camouflage in its habitats.
Nicaraguan coyotes’ diet includes small mammals, birds, and insects, reflecting their opportunistic nature. They play a vital role in their ecosystems by controlling pest populations and aiding in seed dispersal.
19. Panamanian Coyote (Canis latrans panamensis)
The Panamanian Coyote is found in the tropical regions of Panama. It is small and has a coat that helps it blend into the lush, green environment. These coyotes are well-suited to the humid and warm climate of their habitat.
Panamanian coyotes’ diet is varied, including small mammals, birds, reptiles, and fruits. They are essential for their ecosystems, helping to control prey populations and disperse seeds. Their adaptability to tropical environments showcases their resilience and ecological importance.
Understanding the diversity of coyotes enhances our appreciation for these remarkable animals and underscores the importance of conserving their habitats and promoting coexistence with humans. Each one plays a unique role in its ecosystem, contributing to the intricate balance of nature.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.