Identification Pointers The coyote is smaller than a wolf, but tends to have larger ears. Their upperparts are variable in color, but are typically brown with reddish highlights on its legs. The belly and throat are often pale. The largest recorded weight of a coyote was 74.75 lbs. This animal can run up to 40 miles per hour, usually with its tail held down. In contrast, a dog usually runs with its tail up and a wolf runs with its tail straight out. Behavior Tips Coyotes are primarily nocturnal, yet can often be seen during the daytime. They are omnivores with a diet consisting of rabbits, rodents, fish, frogs, deer, insects, snakes, fruit, grass, carrion, and occasionally, lambs, calves, other livestock, and pets. Coyotes often travel in large groups, called a pack, but tend to hunt in pairs. Coyotes have an average lifespan of up to 14 years in the wild.
The coyote has different voices in different situations.
An interesting fact discovered by Santa Margarita School Oak Ambassador Mitchell C., February 2014 Mitchell also learned that you can tell the difference between dog-like creatures by looking at the tails. A coyote runs with its tail down, the wolf runs with its tail straight out, and a dog usually runs with its tail up.