They are tolerant of human activities and rapidly adapt to changes in their environment.Įastern coyotes differ from their western counterparts with a larger average size and various color phases, including blonde and black. They also consume carrion (decaying tissue). They prey on rabbits, mice, birds and other small animals, as well as young and weakened deer. Coyotes adjust well to their surroundings and can survive on whatever food is available. and exceptionally large ones may be up to 55 lbs. In New Jersey, adult coyotes range in weight from 20-50 lbs. Past interbreeding between wolves and coyotes may be responsible for the larger size and color variations in our eastern coyote. Another key difference from a domestic dog is readily noticeable even from a distance: The coyote has a habit of holding its tail below a horizontal position while standing, walking and running.Įastern coyotes differ from their western counterparts with a larger average size and various color phases, including blonde, red and black. The coyote is a wild member of the dog family and closely resembles a small German shepherd with the exception of its long snout and bushy, black-tipped tail. Regardless of how they got here, the coyote’s extremely adaptable nature have allowed them to survive and thrive throughout the state. To date, coyotes have been documented in nearly 400 municipalities from all 21 counties (94% of the state’s land area):Ĭontrary to public opinion, NJ Fish & Wildlife has never imported coyotes at any time in the past, although there is evidence that private citizens throughout the state have done so prior to 1950. NJDEP Fish and Wildlife received another 29 reports statewide sporadically over the ensuing 40 years, but increased significantly since 1980. The mounted skin is in the collection of the New Jersey State Museum in Trenton. The animal was described in newspaper accounts as “a long, bushy tailed animal looking something like a police dog but with the coloration of a coyote”. The first known record of coyote occurrence in New Jersey was recorded near Lambertville, Hunterdon County in 1939.
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