Montana Field Guide

Appearance of small dog. Long, bushy tail, pointed ears, slender muzzle, slanted eyes. White tip on the tail. Rufous coloration, various coat colorations or color phases. Total length: 39 to 43 inches. Weight: 10 to 15 pounds.

There is no white tip on the tail of the coyote, swift fox, marten or fisher.

Non-migratory.

Can survive in a wide range of habitats. Often associated with agricultural areas. Prefers mixture of forest and open country near water. Mostly nocturnal. Hunts by smell. Uses dens for shelter during severe weather and when pups are being reared. Usually uses dens made by other animals (FWP). Seldom found far from permanent water. Thrive in bushy successional area where small mammals are most abundant. Occupies diverse habitats. In forest situations uses edge. (Jones et al. 1983).

Opportunistic predator that sometimes eats carrion. Preys on small mammals, birds, eggs, game birds (FWP). Varies according to avail. in W. MT. During spring: microtus spp., birds, muskrats, rabbits, grnd squirrels, deer carrion (in decreasing order of importance). In winter microtus spp., birds, N. pocket gophers. Also uses vegetation.

Burrow den-sites comprised of sub-dens (10-40 holes). Some dens in open and some in brush.

Mates during winter; 51- to 53-day gestation; litter size averages four to eight (FWP). In W. Montana breed from 8 Feb-8 Mar, mostly in Feb. Give birth late Mar-Apr. Approx. 4 young/litter. May exhibit communal denning.