September 18, 1804, in present-day Chamberlain, South Dakota.
Grizzled gray or orangish gray above, with buff underparts. Long, rusty or yellowish legs. Bushy tail with black tip. Height: 23–26 in (58–66 cm); length: 3.4–4.3 ft (105–132 cm); tail: 11.8–15.3 in (30–39 cm). Weight: 20–40 lb (9.1–18.2 kg); a very large individual may reach 55 lb (25 kg).
In West, open plains; in East, brushy areas.
Generally common throughout eastern and southern Alaska, southern and western Canada, and all of western U.S., but has extended its range into entire U.S.
Referred to as "prairie wolves" by Lewis and Clark. Common name comes from coyotl, the name used by Mexico's Nahuatl Indians.
