Coyote
Last Update/Review: August 12, 2002
Seasons
(last update 98 May)
A resident may hunt coyote, without a licence, throughout the year on land to which he or she has the right of access, except on unoccupied public lands in the Green Area (forested public lands) where the coyote season is from October 1 to February 28.
A non-resident of Alberta, who holds a wolf/coyote licence, may hunt coyote throughout the year on land to which he or she has the right of access, except on unoccupied public lands in the Green Area where the coyote season is from October 1 to February 28. However, if a big game season (other than cougar) is open, the non-resident hunter must possess the big game licence for that season.
Specific season information is provided in the current Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations, available on-line and in hard copy.
Coyote (Canis latrans)
In size, coyotes are between the wolf and fox; adult coyotes weigh 10 to 23 kg (22 to 50 lb). They are usually grey to reddish grey, with black markings on the back and tail. Underparts are light. Ears are long and the muzzle is slender and pointed. The tail is bushy, and is usually carried low and close to the hind legs.
Coyotes mate in February or March. For a den, the female enlarges a rodent, rabbit or badger hole. Young are borne in April or May in litters of five to seven pups. Both parents help feed the young until they are about 2 months old. The family unit then leaves the den and travels together until fall. At that time, groups tend to split up, with individuals hunting alone or in pairs. Coyotes seldom hunt in packs but occasionally several may gather at carcasses or other communal feeding sites.
Coyotes are opportunists. Hares and mice are the most important prey species, but the carrion of livestock and other large mammals is often the most important food source in some areas, especially in winter. Blueberries and other fruits are heavily used in season.
Long considered a pest by many landowners, the coyote has survived repeated attempts to eliminate it. Today, it is still the most numerous member of the dog family in Alberta. The coyote has been able to adapt to many of the changes brought about by man. It occurs in all regions of Alberta.
