The coyote appears often in the tales and traditions of Native Americans—usually as a very savvy and clever beast. Modern coyotes have displayed their cleverness by adapting to the changing American landscape. These members of the dog family once lived primarily in open prairies and deserts, but now roam the continent's forests and mountains. They have even colonized cities like Los Angeles, and are now found over most of North America. Coyote populations are likely at an all-time high.
Common Name: Coyote Scientific Name: Canis latrans Type: Mammals Diet: Omnivores Group Name: Pack Average life span in The Wild: Up to 14 years Size: Head and body, 32 to 37 in; tail, 16 in Weight: 20 to 50 lbs
The three species differ mainly in color and choice of habitat. The sandy-colored golden jackal prefers open, grassy plains, while the side-striped jackal lives along waterways with dense undergrowth and is drabber in color, has a white tip on the tail, and had indistinct stripes along the sides of the body. The black-backed jackal is recognized by the mantle of black hair on the back that contrasts with the rust-colored body. The tail is black-tipped, as is that of the golden jackal. The black-backed jackal is usually the most frequently seen, as it is more diurnal than the other two species.
Common Name: Jackal Scientific name: Common jackal (Canis aureus)Side-striped jackal (Canis adustus)Black-backed jackal (Canis mesomelas) Type: Mammals Diet: Omnivorous Group Name: Pack Average life span: 8 to 9 years in the wild; up to 16 years in captivity Size:70 to 85 centimeters in length (27 to 33 inches), 25 centimeter long tail (about 10 inches), and 40 centimeter standing height (about 16 inches) Weight: 8 to 10 kilograms (17 to 25 pounds)
The dingo is legendary as Australia's wild dog, though it also occurs in Southeast Asia. The Australian animals may be descendents of Asian dingoes that were introduced to the continent some 3,000 to 4,000 years ago.
Common Name: Dingo Scientific Name: Canis lupus dingo Type: Mammals Diet: Carnivores Group Name: Pack Size: Head and body, 3.5 to 4 ft; tail, 12 to 13 in Weight: 22 to 33 lbs
The African wild dog, also called Cape hunting dog or painted dog, typically roams the open plains and sparse woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa. These long-legged canines have only four toes per foot, unlike other dogs, which have five toes on their forefeet. The dog's Latin name means “painted wolf,” referring to the animal's irregular, mottled coat, which features patches of red, black, brown, white, and yellow fur. Each animal has its own unique coat pattern, and all have big, rounded ears.
Common Name: African Wild Dog Scientific Name: Lycaon pictus Type: Mammals Diet: Carnivores Group Name: Pack Average life span in The Wild: Up to 11 years Size: 29.5 to 43 in Weight: 39.5 to 79 lbs