by Jordyn E Pimental
With autumn creeping up on us, one fascinating mammal that lives in the pine forests surrounding our campus comes to mind. You may not have seen them, but you have definitely heard them- the eastern coyote. Double the size of a fox and known for stalking local neighborhoods, according to Lower Cape News, there are 900 estimated coyotes living on Cape Cod right now. In this week’s Campus Critter, I intend to share all the essential information you need to know about these often misunderstood animals.
A coyote visiting a cemetery. (Ben Beranek)
The Basics
Typically measuring 4 to 5 feet in length, eastern coyote males are generally larger than females. They are recognized for their wolf-like coats, which can range in color from gray to cinnamon, as noted by Mass Audubon. While often compared to wolves, it’s important to remember that wolves are simply larger and darker than coyotes. Unfortunately, there are no records of wolves remaining in Massachusetts, as they were hunted to extinction starting in the 17th century. Mass Audubon also reports that coyotes prefer to inhabit slopes, banks, or rocky ledges in forested areas, and they sometimes use the abandoned dens of foxes or skunks.
Breeding
You will hear coyotes all year, but they are loudest in the late winter and early spring when it is their mating season- usually around February in Massachusetts. Maybe unexpectedly, coyotes are loyal animals who mate for life. A female will give birth to 4-8 small pups, often weighing in at only ½ a pound, according to Mass Audubon.
The side profile of a coyote. (Ben Beranek)
Common Misconceptions
While a typical animal carcass is their preferred food source, these omnivores will surprise you by eating nearly anything, from insects to berries. Contrary to what many people fear, coyotes are not out to get us; in fact, they are generally shy animals that prefer to keep their distance. Over the past 60 years, there have been fewer than 10 reported attacks on humans in Massachusetts. In reality, humans pose a greater threat to coyotes than the other way around. Climate change and deforestation significantly endanger their preferred forest habitats. By incorporating environmentally conscious actions into your daily life, you can make sustainable choices that help protect coyotes and other threatened species.
