Wildlife Wednesday 07/30/2025

Happy #WildlifeWednesday! We are currently in the midst of the hottest part of the season in the Northern Hemisphere, often referred to as the “dog days of summer.” To celebrate we are highlighting one of the canines found in Ohio, the coyote!

The coyote is a medium-sized member of the dog family that is found throughout the state, occurring in all 88 counties. The slender canine has pointy ears and snout and often resembles a domestic dog such as a German shepherd or collie. The tail is carried downward at a 45 degree angle as it moves and is bushy with a black tip. Its yellow eyes are a distinguishing feature. Adults weigh an average of 20-40 pounds.

The coyote is a highly adaptable and clever animal and can make its home in a variety of habitats, including open spaces, woodlands, agricultural land, suburban parks and golf courses, and large cities. Its ability to use any habitat to its advantage is one reason it is so successful. It is omnivorous, eating mostly rodents, rabbits, birds, deer (typically fawns), fruit, berries, and vegetation.

The coyote is described as the most vocal of wild North American mammals, and its scientific name Canis latrans means “barking dog.” The assortment of barks, woofs, huffs, whines, yelps, growls, and howls is used for communication and the iconic group yip-howl song is thought to be part of an elaborate greeting ceremony.

Coyote pairs are monogamous and stay together throughout their lives, the bond breaking only upon the death of a mate.

To keep cool in the heat of the summer, coyotes will seek shady areas and dig shallow burrows. They will not stray far from water sources and may even increase consumption of fruits and berries and other foods with moisture. They also pant like domestic dogs, releasing excess body heat through their mouths and tongues.