Overall length ranges from 120 to 150 cm and height varies from 58 to 66 cm high at the shoulder. Tails are generally between 30 to 40 cm long. Coyotes' ears are wide, pointed and erect. They have tapered muzzles and black noses. Their yellow, slightly slanted eyes have round, black pupils and give the animal a characteristically cunning expression.
Coyotes are extremely agile and can change course in mid-step.
When threatened, a coyote's tail becomes bushy and is held horizontally. Coyotes use their acute hearing and sense of smell to detect prey and avoid danger. Like many domestic dogs, coyotes are intelligent and playful. The coyote eats fruits, grasses, vegetables, insects, rodents, deer and small mammals. Coyotes can be found throughout North America, from eastern Alaska to New England and south through Mexico to Panama.