Prey consists principally of hares, rodents and birds; but it appears that anything that is edible, either vegetable or animal, can become part of their diet. Carrion is an important source of food. Coyotes normally hunt alone, they are very versatile and will hunt in packs to bring down larger animals, particularly in winter. They tend to be more solitary when prey species are small.

Coyotes are very vocal and will start their howling with a series of sharp yaps. They also bark. It is very common for a single coyote to start what becomes a chorus of many individuals, although the vocalizations of one animal can be so diverse that it sounds like more than one. They also communicate with body language, much like wolves, although they do not have the complex social structure that wolves do.

Mating occurs from February to March with five to seven pups born after about two months gestation. Both parents help raise the young.

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