Wolf Park - Coyotes

Coyotes

Coyotes are smaller, more generalized cousins of the wolf. The remarkable, adaptable coyote will eat most anything, and live most anywhere, including in urban areas (remarkably, around Chicago, Illinois, where a long-term, large-scale field study is researching how coyotes live in such a densely packed human habitation).

The coyote is often mistaken for the larger, bulkier wolf, especially when only glimpsed in fading light or behind foliage. This can make it appear that the wolf is more widespread than it is, with "wolf" sightings popping up even in states where wolves have not lived for many years. (For example, wolves have not roamed wild in Indiana since about 1900, but people regularly spot coyotes in Indiana...and occasionally mistake them for wolves.) When viewed up close, however, the differences become quite clear.

Wolf Park's ambassador coyotes help to demonstrate the differences between wolves and coyotes, and promote greater understanding of both species.

About coyotes

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