Coyote

Among the non-native wildlife found throughout the southeast, coyotes are unique in their ability to rapidly acclimate to a variety of habitats. With the extirpation of the red wolf in the last century across the South, the coyote  (Canis latrans) has been able to fill a once occupied void and now can be found statewide.

Resembling a small dog in appearance, distinguishing characteristics of a coyote include pointy ears and snout, mottled color fur pattern ranging from black to reddish-blonde and a bushy tail. As with most canines, coyotes are equipped with keen eyesight and an acute sense of smell to seek out their diet of small mammals, carrion and succulent vegetation. High pitched cries, shrieks or yips can be heard late in the evening as these animals communicate. Growling, barking and whining also are commonly used methods of communication. 

The coyote's geographic range spans the entire North American continent from Alaska down to Central America. Ranging from the open grasslands and deserts of the west to the forests and agricultural fields of the east, the coyote can adapt and thrive wherever food, water and shelter can be found. Preferences include wooded forests bordered by fields and brushy areas to den and hunt for small mammals, which is similar to its native habitat range of the southwestern U.S. However, due to their ability to adapt, coyotes do not have many problems when exposed to habitat alterations. Coyotes have even recently been found frequenting urban areas in search of garbage, rodents and other easily found meals.

A coyote displaying abnormal behavior and appearing fearless of humans is uncharacteristic and may mean the animal is injured or has fallen victim to a disease, such as rabies, parvovirus or distemper.