Coyote
Scientific name
Canis latrans
about the species
Coyotes can be found in brushy areas, grasslands, and habitat edges. The majority of a coyote’s diet consists of rabbits, mice, and other small mammals. Coyotes also eat carrion (dead animals). Though coyotes occasionally attack livestock, most losses attributed to coyotes are actually caused by free-running dogs. Coyotes are primarily active at night, but can occasionally be spotted during the day. Litters of pups are born in spring and both parents care for the pups. Coyotes are increasingly common in urban areas throughout the United States, but humans are at little risk of attack. To help humans and coyotes coexist, keep pets leashed and do not feed wild animals.
conservation status
Least concern. Common in Missouri.
How we’re tracking this species
We are using motion-triggered wildlife cameras and GPS collars to study Forest Park’s coyotes. We are also collecting health data for these important members of Forest Park’s ecological community.
