Prairie Coyote by Coolperson5

The coyote (Canis latrans, meaning "barking dog") also prairie wolf is a member of the Canidae (dog) family and a close relative of the Gray Wolf. There are 19 recognized subspecies of coyotes. Coyotes are native to North America and are found from Alaska to Panama. European explorers first encountered these canines during their travels in the American Southwest. They may occasionally assemble in small packs, but generally hunt alone. Coyotes live an average of 6 to 10 years. The word "coyote" was borrowed from Mexican Spanish, which itself borrowed the term from the Nahuatl (Aztec) word coyotl. The collective name for a group of coyotes is a band, a pack, or a rout.

The coyote looks very similar to the endangered red wolf in profile. They have similar size, color and head shape.

Despite being extensively hunted, the coyote is one of the few medium-to-large-sized animals that has enlarged its range since human encroachment began (another is the raccoon). It originally ranged primarily in the western half of North America, but it has adapted readily to the changes caused by human occupation and, since the early 19th century, has been steadily extending its range. Sightings now commonly occur in California, Oregon, New England, and eastern Canada. Coyotes have moved into most of the areas of North America formerly occupied by wolves, and are often observed foraging in suburban trashcans.

Updated 2010-11-05

Just to save space with less in zip and smaller image.

Nothing new.