Adult size is reached between 9 and 12 months. Sexual maturity is reached by 12 months. Behavior Coyotes are less likely to form packs than are wolves. Hunting, which takes place around the den, is done individually, in pairs, or in family units depending on prey availability. Coyote ranges, which are usually defended only during denning season, may be as much as 19 km in diameter around the den and travel occurs along fixed routes or trails.
Coyotes are essentially nocturnal but can occasionally be seen during daylight hours.
Although the coyote is capable of digging its own burrow, it will often enlarge the burrow of a woodchuck or badger and use this as its den. Dens are used year after year. There are several entrances to a single den. Coyotes leave their dens to defecate and urinate. Coyotes use auditory, visual, olfactory and tactile signals to communicate.