Wildlife

Coyote in Great Basin National Park

Wildlife
Coyote

Remarkably adaptable predators! Coyotes are smaller, leaner cousins of gray wolves that thrive across Great Basin's varied terrain—from sagebrush to alpine meadows. Primarily nocturnal hunters of rodents and small game, they're ecosystem engineers keeping pest populations in check. Give these clever survivors the respect they deserve: maintain 25 yards distance.

Quick facts

Scientific Name
Canis latrans
Species Type
Mammal
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN) - widespread and abundant
Size Weight
Males average 8-20 kg (18-44 lbs), females 7-18 kg (15-40 lbs). Built leaner and smaller than gray wolves.

Species profile

Scientific Name
Canis latrans
Species Type
Mammal
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN) - widespread and abundant
Size Weight
Males average 8-20 kg (18-44 lbs), females 7-18 kg (15-40 lbs). Built leaner and smaller than gray wolves.
Lifespan Wild
10-14 years in the wild, though many do not survive to adulthood
Identifying Features
Smaller than gray wolves with light gray and reddish-tan fur mixed with black and white. Pointed ears, slender build, bushy tail. Males average 8-20 kg (18-44 lbs), females 7-18 kg (15-40 lbs).

Where & when to look

Where To See
Throughout Great Basin in sagebrush and juniper habitat at various elevations. Nocturnal and crepuscular; sightings most likely at dawn and dusk.
Best Viewing Times
Dawn and dusk when coyotes are most active hunting. Quietest early morning hikes offer best chances.
Sighting Frequency
Uncommon but possible; naturally wary and nocturnal behavior makes direct observation infrequent
Habitat Description
Sagebrush scrub, pinyon-juniper woodlands, high-altitude meadows, and canyon bottoms. Highly adaptable to Great Basin's varied elevations from 5,000 to over 13,000 feet.
Activity Pattern
Primarily nocturnal and crepuscular (dawn/dusk active)
Migration Patterns
Non-migratory; year-round resident throughout the park
Hibernation Info
Active year-round; coyotes do not hibernate

Wildlife safety

Dangerous
0
Viewing Distance Required
25 yards
Safety Precautions
Maintain 25-yard minimum distance. Never approach or feed. Make noise while hiking to avoid surprise encounters. Back away slowly if approached. Do not run.
If Encountered
Back away slowly and speak calmly. Do not run. Maintain eye contact if it approaches. Increase your distance and make yourself appear larger. Report habituated behavior to rangers.
Never Feed Approach
1
Report Sightings
1
How To Report
Report sightings or concerns to Great Basin Visitor Center staff or the park's ranger station

Photography & conservation

Best Photo Locations
Open sagebrush areas with high ground and wide sightlines, particularly along Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive and Snake Creek Road where vantage points allow telephoto observation from 25+ yards.
Recommended Equipment
Binoculars essential; telephoto lens (200mm+) recommended for distant photography; flashlight for dawn/dusk observation; field guide to canine identification
Ethical Photography
Maintain 25-yard minimum distance. Don't use flash that disturbs natural behavior. Don't bait or call them. Respect their space; wild animals should never be stressed for a photograph.
Conservation Threats
Humans are the primary global threat; within Great Basin, no significant threats to the adaptable, protected population.
How Visitors Help
  • Never feed coyotes or leave food accessible
  • Store food securely while camping
  • Report habituated individuals to rangers
  • Reduce outdoor pet exposure at dawn/dusk
  • Drive carefully at night to avoid collisions

Viewing advice

Viewing Tips
  • Listen for their distinctive howls at dawn/dusk—the best sign of presence
  • Scan open sagebrush areas at twilight
  • Early morning hikes offer quieter opportunities
  • Binoculars essential for distant observation
Tips Advice
  • Hike in groups; make noise to avoid surprise encounters
  • Peak activity is dawn and dusk
  • Remote areas and higher elevations offer better chances
  • Listen for their distinctive yip-howl calls
Family Friendly Notes
Safe with proper supervision and distance maintained. Teach children not to approach or feed. Coyotes may be active around camping areas; store all food securely and keep toddlers supervised.

More details

Lifespan Captivity
15-20 years in captivity
Diet
Small mammals (rodents, rabbits, hares), birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Occasionally fruits and vegetables.
Breeding Season
Late winter through early spring (February-March); males may vocalize more frequently and be less wary during this period
Nearby Facilities
Great Basin Visitor Center - Desert Shrub (Stop 1)

Great Horned Owl

Silent night hunter! Owls catch rodents with pinpoint precision from dusk to dawn.

Mountain Lion

Silent hunter of the high country. Rare sighting, absolute respect required.

Mule Deer

Spot mule deer working the high country slopes! Keep 25 yards back and witness nature's herbivore perfectly adapted to Great Basin.

Peregrine Falcon

Speed demon raptor! Cliff nester, bird hunter, conservation legend. Keep 25 yards back!

Wild Turkey

Impressive upland birds with iridescent plumage and explosive displays!

Bald Eagle

The king of raptors returned from the brink. Spot bald eagles hunting over Great Basin's high-altitude lakes.

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Sources

  • YourNPGuide Editorial

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.