Coyote

Coyotes are very adaptable and inhabit most areas of the state. The adult Coyote weighs between 25 to 35 pounds on average with a lifespan up to 15 years in the wild. Coyotes are very active in search of food and mates during the late winter to early spring months. After a 63 to 65 day gestation period females den and give birth to litters of three to nine pups, usually in April or May. During the time of the year when adult coyotes are caring for young they can be very aggressive. Although the coyote has been observed killing sheep, poultry and other livestock, in addition to smaller family pets it does not subsist on domestic animals. Food habit studies reveal that its principle diet is composed of deer, mice, rabbits, ground squirrels and other small rodents, insects, even reptiles, along with fruits and berries of wild plants.