topic Re: Coyote at Coyote Valley in Share Your Photos

Coyote at Coyote Valley

JFG — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 23:51:42 GMT

Coyote on the prowl R5 Mark II & RF200-800mm IS USM Handheld

While hiking at Coyote Valley, I came across this valley coyote stalking and following its prey. It looked well fed and healthy. California coyotes (Canis latrans) typically weigh between 22 to 30 pounds, with California valley coyotes averaging around 30 pounds. They are highly adaptable animals known for their intelligence and social behaviour They resemble a small german Sheppard featuring a long snout, large erect ears, and a bushy black tipped tail. Their fur color varies from gray to reddish brown. There are four types of coyotes in California. The Desert Coyote (Canis Latrans ochropus) generally found in southern parts of California, specially across the Mojave and Colorado deserts. It is smaller and leaner, weighing between 18 to 25 pounds, an adaptation to the extreme heat and limited food supply of arid landscapes. The third is the Mountain Coyote (Canis latrans lestes) which is larger than its desert and valley counterparts, weighing between 30 to 45 pounds. Has a thick, dense coat raging from grayish-brown to silver-gray, with darker saddle markings on its back giving the animal a majestic appearance. The fourth California coyote is the Coastal Coyote (Canis latrans clepticus) found in the coastal regions of Santa Barbara up to Mendocino County. Its slightly smaller than the Mountain Coyote but heavier than the desert coyote, averaging 25 to 35 pounds.

Re: Coyote at Coyote Valley

shadowsports — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:15:58 GMT

Nice shot Joe. You are really making the rounds. Bay Area/ NorCal

Re: Coyote at Coyote Valley

JFG — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:36:10 GMT

Thanks Rick.

I like to go hiking in different places. We are so lucky that Northern California has so many open space preserves, and a temperate climate all year round.

Re: Coyote at Coyote Valley

Tintype_18 — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 14:20:38 GMT

The coyote is trotting and wouldn't be stalking prey like that. More of sneaking up on prey. My parents lived in LA and was uncommon to see coyotes trotting along the freeways.

Re: Coyote at Coyote Valley

JFG — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 17:42:07 GMT

Good catch, Tyntype. I think he was trotting to the deli, cause herd the subs were at 50% off. 😀