1. Coyote (Canis latrans) Largest of “small canids” (9–20 kg) tail posture dog vs. coyote highly variable behavior & diets most vocal canid

2. Coyote solitary or cooperative hunters mates may stay together for multiple years 1-19 pups (avg.=6) in dens female pups may stay with parents create “scent posts”

3. Native to Americas Change distribution over past 200 years Historic wolf control  # of coyotes Potential effects on #s of snowshoe hares & bobcats

4. Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) Largest fox (3-10 kg) Solitary, partly territorial HR size varies with habitat Nocturnal or crepuscular

5. Very adaptable – “urban foxes” Possibly not native to NA ??

6. Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)

7. Monogamous Family dens + burrows 1-13 pups (avg. = 5) Sexually mature ~ 10 months

8. Color Variations “Silver fox” – prized by furriers “Cross fox”

9. Arctic Fox (Alopex lagopus) Smaller than red fox (3-8 kg) Adapted to arctic Varied diet (small mammals, eggs, carrion from polar bears)

10. Only in far north of NA Tundra in summer & ocean ice in winter Shorter dark pelage in summer Blue & white color phases

11. Arctic Fox (Alopex lagopus) Circumpolar distribution

12. Arctic Fox monogamous 2 litters of 5-8 pups large, complex dens flexible social system – family territories may form communal bands that scavenge together

13. Grey Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) smaller than red fox (3-7 kg) more omnivorous tree climbers woodlands & rocky areas (less agriculture than red fox)

14. Grey Fox Southern & Midwestern states timing of breeding varies w/latitude monogamous family units 1-7 pups (avg.=4)

15. Swift Fox (Vulpes velox) Smallest fox in NA (1-3kg) Occurs in south-central US Prairie grasslands & deserts speeds of 50 mph

18. Swift Fox (Vulpes velox) 2-6 pups per litter nocturnal Endangered #s declined in past 50 years Threats: predator & rodent control, habitat change

19. Kit Fox (Vulpes macrotis) Size of Swift fox (1-3 kg) Nocturnal – days in burrows Use multiple dens – switch frequently Diet: small mammals, birds, insects, some fruit

20. Gray Wolf (Canis lupus) largest canid (23-80 kg) color variation (white – black) diet varies geographically habitats: tundra, forest, prairie, desert, etc.

21. Gray Wolf territorial – aggressive defense by pack females sexually mature ~ 2 yr, males ~ 3 yr gestation ~ 2 mo. altricial pups born in den – 8 to10 wks

22. 1973 -- lower 48 listed “Endangered” (except MN = “Threatened”) 2003 -- 3 DPSs  Eastern - Threatened  Western - Threatened  Southwestern - Endangered

24. Red Wolf (Canis rufus) Size: between coyote & gray wolf (20-40 kg) Color: brown, tan & black Red or tawny on muzzle, back of ears & legs Longer, pointed ears & longer legs; slender build; shorter fur (vs. gray wolf)

25. Red Wolf Habitat: southeastern deciduous & coniferous forests Diet: small mammals (raccoons, rodents, rabbits, muskrats, etc.) & white-tailed deer Social structure: packs = extended families & defended territories

26. Red Wolf 1967 listed as Endangered under ESA 1970: < 100 survive in TX & LO Captive breeding & reintroduction

27. Mexican Gray Wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) genetically distinct subspecies Size: < northern gray wolf (~ red wolf, 20-36 kg) Habitat: SW deserts; arid grasslands & shrublands Diet: elk, deer, small mammals

28. extinct in native habitat by 1950s 1998: 11 wolves reintroduced to AZ & NM