"Yip, yip, yip, aaaa....ooooo," I heard from my warm bed. The sound pierced my sleep. I felt comforted, knowing that my coyotes were still in the area, still living and behaving as they have done for thousands of years, long before mankind (an oxymoron indeed) made his presence felt on the Southwestern plains.

Canis latrans, commonly known as the coyote, less kindly known as the thief, trickster, spoiler and outlaw, is smaller than the gray wolf (canis lupus) or the red wolf (canis rufus). They occupy the biological niche between foxes and wolves. With the push westward of man, the wolves' prey disappeared and so they were forced to predicate livestock. The settlers successfully petitioned and forced the elimination of the wolves, who also preyed on coyotes. But the coyote, "trickster" that he is, was able to elude man and has adapted even more readily to his landscape. Overgrazing may contribute to more abundant prey for the coyote and thus their success.

It is estimated that at least 400,000 coyotes are killed each year by federal, state and local governments and private individuals. For example, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services Agency (your tax dollars at work) killed 77,997 coyotes in 1998. (Pamphlet entitled "Humane Ways to Live With Coyotes", published by the Animal Protection Institute.) Studies have proven that coyotes reach a natural balance within their territories. It becomes fruitless to try to "control" them; they will procreate to maintain their balance. This adaptability is the key to their survival and success. The coyote is an integral part of the land; he is part of the economic and cultural structure. The land demands his presence, much as the land demands the reintroduction of the Mexican wolf.

Depending upon their home range, coyotes feed on a wide variety of food items. Biology studies have shown that one main food source in the Southwest is fruit. Unlike the wolf, the coyote easily becomes a vegetarian when meat is unavailable. If there is a drought and no fruit can be found, they convert their diets to small rodents, which are more work to catch than fruit. I personally know they are fond of watermelon, peaches and apples.

Extremely few coyotes engage in cattle killing. A newborn calf, a likely target, outweighs a coyote by at least four times. Coyotes in our Chihuahuan high desert area seldom hunt in packs; observers have seen coyotes trot by likely cattle-prey without so much as a backwards glance. Perhaps because of his ease in obtaining alternative food sources, Wile E. has no need to attack cattle. They seem to rely primarily on vision while hunting and have also been observed to fish and climb trees in pursuit of game.

On an educational channel recently, a program was presented which showed the cooperative hunting efforts between a coyote and a badger. The badger can pursue small rodents, digging furiously with his sharp, front claws, while the quickness of the coyote brings a kill.

The coyotes in this area do not aggressively maintain territorial boundaries against one another. Depending upon the location, coyotes may range an area up to nine square miles. If there is plenty of food and lots of cover, a family of C. latrans may make it their home. It would appear that males' range may overlap and they may share territories; females' do not. Like domestic dogs, coyotes scent mark their territories with urine.

Where I live, in Southern New Mexico, there is most definitely a pack of coyotes. I have seen a lone male in the early morning dawn. I have seen a pair cross the rear of my property at mid-day on a heavily overcast and snowy afternoon. One thing I have observed is that they seem to follow the same pathways, the same ancient trails, that they have been following for thousands of years, ingrained in their spirits. I wonder what building a home does to those pathways?

Coyotes are almost always monogamous and pair bonds between male and female can last more than four years. The female's first season usually occurs at 10 months of age and they come into season once a year (unlike most domestic dogs who cycle every six months). Like canis familiaris, a "tie" is effected between the pair; average litter sizes equals six pups. The pups are born blind and helpless. They are weaned at between 5 to 7 weeks. Males contribute to both the nursing mother's food and the pups through regurgitation. Grey wolves and African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) are known to do the same.

Most wild coyotes fear humans. They are extremely shy and will run away from humans. There is little possibility of their attacking. Aggressive behavior is not normal. Most often bites are caused by humans who are hand feeding coyotes. If humans insist on moving into coyote territory, those same humans should also learn to coexist with them. Coyotes are not considered a disease threat; rabies are rare and not commonly transmitted to humans.

Those in urban areas should take the following precautions to prevent coyotes from being attracted to your home:

1. Secure garbage can lids and dispose of meat, cheese and eggs in bags with a small amount of ammonia to deter coyotes from investigating.
2. If composting, use enclosed bins.
3. Pick up overripe fruit and bag for trash as above.
4. Outdoor sensor lights are excellent towards keeping coyotes away from your immediate living area.
5. One should also clear away heavy brush near your house in an effort to deter small rodents (coyote food) from nesting there.
6. Fence your property and keep animals inside at night.
7. Keep pet food inside as well.
8. Spay your female dog! Male coyotes are attracted to her scent for mating purposes. Spaying is better for HER health too!
9. If you have pastured animals (cows, sheep, horses), use guard animals like llamas, donkeys and special guard dogs. These have been proven to eliminate coyote predation.

Personally, I love hearing the wild sounds of the desert southwest. I'll take the "yip....ooooo" over police car sirens any day.