Coyote

Coyotes usually mate in February or March, and pups are generally born in April. The number of pups in a litter is typically 3-7, but numbers can vary quite a bit. They den in abandoned, existing animal burrows that they modify, or they'll dig a new den. Pups are born with short, yellow-brown fur. After about ten days, their eyes open, and they crawl around the den. At about 3-4 weeks old, the pups begin making trips outside of the den to play. For about the first two months, the adult male brings food to the female while she stays close to the pups. The pups are weaned when they are about 6-8 weeks old. Around this time, the coyote family abandons the den.

The pups learn to hunt and forage by following and observing their parents. In the fall or winter of their first year, pups often leave their parents to be on their own, although some remain in a social group or pack with their parents for months longer.

Tip: Coyote pups may be seen outside their den, exploring during the day, but their parents are usually nearby hunting for food. Unless a pup is injured, appears to be sick or has been alone and crying for hours, it should be left alone.