A pair of Coyote - searching for an afternoon meal.

These dog-like appearing mammals are tan gray to reddish, rusty gray, with tan to buff under parts, rusty or yellowish legs with darker vertical line on lower foreleg. The face is fox-like, with a small, black nose pad, large ears and a bushy tail.

Coyotes favor riverbanks for den sites, or well drained slopes, sides of canyons or slopes. Mating season occurs February to April and will often pair for several years or life. The Coyote can leap up to 14 feet, and run at a cruising speed of 25 to 30 miles per hour (up to 40 MPH in short bursts). Also a good swimmer and wanderer, will hunt small mammals such as rats and mice, although near the city, it will prey on small cats and dogs.

Canis Latrans - Coyote - Mill Creek near Dilworth Mountain Road, Kelowna BC - December 25, 2009.