Coyotes are highly adaptable wild canids, widely distributed across North America. These intelligent animals inhabit diverse environments, from wilderness to urban landscapes. Their ability to thrive in varied habitats demonstrates their resilience and capacity to coexist with human populations.
Coyote Breeding Season
Coyotes are monoestrous, breeding once per year during late winter and early spring (January through March). Peak mating activity often falls in late February or early March, though timing can vary slightly depending on geographic location and environmental conditions.
During this period, coyotes form monogamous pair bonds, often remaining together for several years or even for life. The female’s estrus cycle, when she is receptive to mating, is relatively short, lasting approximately 10 days. While she is in estrus, the male typically stays close, guarding and accompanying her.
The courtship period, known as proestrus, can extend for up to two to three months before estrus begins. During this time, coyotes engage in behaviors like increased scent marking, which helps strengthen their pair bond. This annual breeding cycle ensures pups are born when environmental conditions are most favorable for their survival.
Reproductive Outcomes and Influencing Factors
The gestation period for coyotes is approximately 60 to 63 days. Pups are typically born in early spring, often in March, April, or May, depending on the timing of breeding. Litters are usually born within a den, which can be an excavated burrow, a hollow log, or a sheltered area under dense vegetation.
The average litter size ranges from five to seven pups, though litters can be as small as four or as large as 11 to 13. At birth, pups are altricial, meaning they are completely dependent on their parents, being blind and deaf. The mother remains with the pups in the den, and the male often brings food to her and helps guard the den site. Pups begin to emerge from the den around three weeks of age.
Several factors influence coyote reproductive success and litter size. Food availability is a primary determinant; abundant prey leads to larger litters, while limited resources result in smaller ones. Population density also plays a role, with lower densities often correlating with larger litters due to reduced competition for resources.
Parent health and age also affect reproductive outcomes; younger females (yearlings) are generally less fertile than adult females. Environmental conditions, such as habitat quality, contribute to breeding success. Human activities, including population control efforts, can influence reproduction by reducing competition, potentially leading to increased litter sizes as a compensatory response.