Plate No. 03Mammal · Canid
Species Profile
Coyote
Canis latrans
The voice of the New Mexico night. Coyotes are clever generalists who have actually expanded their range as other predators retreated. Listen for their yip-and-howl chorus echoing through the village after dark.
Habitat
Everywhere — meadow, forest, town outskirts
Diet
Omnivore — rodents, rabbits, fruit, carrion
Size
20–50 lb · 32–37 in long
Status
Abundant · Trickster of folklore
§ Field Notes
Fun facts.
01
Their scientific name latrans means ‘barking’ in Latin.
02
Can run up to 40 mph in short bursts.
03
A pair’s chorus can sound like a dozen animals — vocal trickery.
04
Central to Diné and Pueblo storytelling as both trickster and teacher.
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Black-Tailed Jackrabbit