A medium-sized canid native to North America. Adults weigh 7–20 kg with a body length of 75–100 cm and a bushy, black-tipped tail. Fur is tawny-gray to yellowish, with a lighter underside. Originally a species of western prairies and deserts, coyotes have dramatically expanded their range in the past century—filling the ecological void left by wolf extirpation—and now inhabit every US state and Canadian province, including major cities (Chicago, Los Angeles, New York). They are highly adaptable omnivores eating small mammals (rabbits, rodents), fruit, insects, carrion, pet food, and garbage. They hunt alone, in pairs, or in small family packs. Their iconic yipping howl is a hallmark of the North American soundscape. They can hybridize with wolves and domestic dogs ("coywolves," "coydogs"). Females have a ~63-day gestation, producing 5–7 pups. Lifespan: 10–14 years. Despite being intensively hunted and trapped for over a century, their populations have only expanded. They are an important mesopredator in ecosystem dynamics. IUCN: Least Concern.