Dogs in the wild – what they are and what they eat

What the jackal and coyote have in common and what the difference is

Perhaps the surprising survivability is primarily due to the unassuming diet

Among the common features of these “relatives of the dog” can be attributed to their desire to stay close to human habitation. The reason is simple: the remains of human food are one of the main “meals” in their menu. In addition, both species are unpretentious in food, they gladly eat mice, fish, frogs and lizards, like sweet fruits and do not disdain insects and even the contents of garbage dumps.

Coyote and coyote have great eyesight – up to 200 meters, and it is equally effective at any time of the day. Although these animals are especially active at night. Coyote is capable of jumping up to 4 m in length and accelerating up to 40 km/h. For comparison, only a greyhound can reach such speed.

Hunting and “concert” skills

The coyote knows how to distribute the duties of the hunt

Coyotes prefer to hunt in packs, but even if a coyote has to go in search of food alone, he can take a badger “in company”. The latter will dig a hole in which the rodent is hiding, and the coyote, being on the alert, will grab the escaped animal. The badger, on the other hand, can eat those that didn’t make it out.

Of all wild species of canines, the coyote is again recognized as the “loudest. His long and disgusting voice resounds far around, terrifying impressionable citizens. But a jackal is less picky about food – if there is nothing “tasty”, he can easily eat grass. But from the sweetest vegetables and fruits, it will definitely choose the ripest ones and bite into them.

Family life

At this rate, coyotes may soon become the most popular animal in the U.S.

Monogamy reigns in packs of jackals and coyotes, all of them trying to create a permanent couple for years, given that the coyote in the wild lives about 10 years, and in captivity can live up to 18. And by fertility coyote, again, wins the jackal – his litter can be born to 19 pups, while jackals usually bring no more than 10 cubs, and that is not often.

It is accepted among people to treat these “relatives of dogs” with disdain, although they, for the most part, do not deserve such attitude. In fact, in fairness it is worth to recognize that they are brave, agile and smart. Despite the fact that the nature of these “hunters” encourages them to ravage chicken coops and plunder gardens and orchards. By the way, people who have to live next door to jackals note that the sounds that these animals usually emit are very similar to human voices. And jackals can “parody” both men and children.