8 NEBRASKAland • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2018
A Mammal
Brief
By Lindsay Rogers
Smaller than a wolf, but larger than a
red fox, the coyote is easily identified by its
size. Like the wolf, its coloration can vary
greatly from cream or tan to dark brown and
deep gray. Coyotes are extremely adaptable and
can be found across Nebraska in a variety of
habitats, including farmland, forest, prairie,
wetland and suburban areas. They are extremely
vocal and are often heard rather than seen; their
three main vocalizations are the squeak, distress
and howl. At dusk and into the evening, they
can be heard howling in groups forming a canine
chorus.
Although often assumed to be true carnivores,
coyotes are actually omnivores. The majority of their
diet consists of small mammals including rabbits,
ground squirrels and mice, but they will also consume
berries, fruit and leaves. Coyotes can take deer, but doing
so often requires teamwork from multiple individuals. ■
Lindsay Rogers is an outdoor education specialist with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
