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Reproduction | |
| Description Reproduction Home Range & Territory Predatory Behavior Control & Management Literature Cited Author: Reagan Billingsly |
Both male and female coyotes show annual variations in reproductive anatomy and physiology. Females go into one period of "heat" a year, which is usually between January and March (Gier, 1968). Courtship between a pair of coyotes begins 2 to 3 months before copulation (Gier, 1968). Changes in behavior begin occurring at the beginning of breeding season, such as increased scent marking and the male coyote becomes increasingly attracted to the females urine and feces (Gier, 1968). Once the female agrees to copulation, she will tolerate mounting attempts and once tieing occurs, the male steps over the females back and the couple may remain locked for up to 25 minutes (Gier, 1968). The same pair will sometimes breed from one year to the next, but not necessarily for life (Gier, 1968). The percentage of females that breed every year depends upon the local conditions (Gier, 1968). The condition usually is determined by the food supply (Gier, 1968). The gestation period is about 63 days (Gier, 1968). The size of the litter is uasually 6 pups, but litter size can be affected by local population density (Gier, 1968). When the young are born they are blind and helpless (Gier, 1968). The young are weaned at 5-7 weeks and begin eating solid food at 3 weeks. They will reach mature weight at about 9 months of age (Gier, 1968). |