When folks call someone a coyote, they’re usually talking about a person who smuggles people across the Mexico–United States border. A coyote guides immigrants illegally into the U.S. for a fee. The word comes from Mexican Spanish and points to a complicated, risky role in migration. Why do we use “coyote” for this? Originally, it…
Ever had a coyote quietly tail you on a walk? Yeah, it’s kind of unnerving. There’s actually a name for this—people call it “escorting.” When a coyote follows you, it’s usually trying to nudge you out of its territory or away from its pups. It’s not really stalking you to attack. Coyotes act curious but…
If you’ve ever spent time in Texas, you’ve probably caught on that folks say “coyote” in a way that stands out from the rest of the country. Most Texans just say “kai-oat,” skipping that last syllable you might expect. You’ll hear this especially around places like Wichita Falls, where the high school mascot is literally…
When a coyote stares at you, it’s sizing you up. Maybe it’s checking if you’re a threat, or just hoping you’ve got something interesting—like food. A coyote’s stare usually shows curiosity and careful attention, not instant danger. Coyotes use eye contact to communicate and get a feel for what’s happening around them. So, don’t panic,…
Ever hear a coyote’s cry at night and wonder what’s going on? Coyotes use all sorts of sounds—howls, yips, barks, and whines—to talk about where they are, send warnings, or just share how they’re feeling. These calls keep them close to their family and help protect their turf. Sometimes their howls sound kind of sad…
Ever wondered if coyotes can pick up the scent of dog urine? Yeah, they definitely can. Coyotes have an incredible sense of smell and notice even tiny traces left by dogs. This skill lets them figure out what’s going on in their territory and spot other animals nearby. Coyotes use the smell of dog urine…
Coyotes have their own personalities, just like people. Sure, they seem wild and mysterious, but if you look closer, you’ll see each one mixes curiosity, boldness, and even a little care. Some coyotes are playful and social, while others lean more toward being shy or independent. That’s part of what makes watching them so interesting….
Ever seen a coyote pee on its prey and wondered what’s up with that? It might look weird or honestly kind of gross, but there’s actually a pretty good reason behind it. Coyotes urinate on their prey to mark it as theirs and warn off other animals from stealing it. That urine acts as a…
Ever spot a wild canine and wonder if it’s a coyote, a wolf, or maybe just a stray dog? You’re definitely not the only one. At a glance, these animals can look a lot alike, but they’re actually different species with their own quirks. A coyote isn’t a wolf or a dog, though it’s related…
Ever been outside at night and heard that wild, haunting coyote cry? It’s kind of spooky, right? Coyotes cry to talk to each other—howls, yips, and barks all send messages about where they are, warnings, or sometimes just excitement or distress. These sounds help coyotes stay close with their pack and protect their turf. Sometimes…