Why do we call a Coyote a Coyote instead of just a wolf?

Question

I usually hear Coyotes at night when I leave my window open and I started to wonder why a Coyote is called a Coyote and not just Wolf.

Answer 1

Hmmm. Could it possibly be that a Coyote, and a Wolf are two completly different animals?

Answer 2

Well this is simple....because they are 2 different animals!



The coyote (pronounced /kaɪˈoʊtiː, ˈkaɪ.oʊt/[3]) (Canis latrans), also known as the American jackal or the prairie wolf,[4] is a species of canid found throughout North and Central America, ranging from Panama in the south, north through Mexico, the United States and Canada. It occurs as far north as Alaska and all but the northernmost portions of Canada.[5] There are currently 19 recognized subspecies, with 16 in Canada, Mexico and the United States, and 3 in Central America.[6] Unlike its cousin the Gray Wolf, which is Eurasian in origin, the coyote evolved in North America during the Pleistocene epoch 1.810 million years ago[7] alongside the Dire Wolf.[8] Unlike the wolf, the coyote's range has expanded in the wake of human civilization, and coyotes readily reproduce in metropolitan areas.[9]

Answer 3

The coyote and the wold are two entirely different animals. Wikipedia hasn't batted 100% in their info sources.



Size and structure skull, teeth, range, habits set these animals apart. Coyotes are not prairie wolves. They would go out of their way to avoid a confrontation with a real wolf.



Go online to Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary for more details.



http://www.zoocrewkidsblogspot.com

Answer 4

Well Tamara,

the wolg and the coyote are not the same animal, and it's known name is : Coyote, and Prairie Wolf is just another way to put it's name. It is from the canine family, but the wolf differs from the coyote in many ways such as:

*The size, the wolf is bigger than the coyote

* the body structure, wolves have thick fur that covers the abdomen, coyotes have short fur

* the color and shape

* hunting Technics, coyotes are more Scavengers than Hunters

* Habitats, where they live, wolves usually live in cold areas,

hope i Helped you, Tamara!



Your faithfully,

Cutest Wittle Wolfy

Answer 5

Because coyotes and wolf are a different canine type. The wolf is a pack animal while coyotes usually live alone or in pairs. Wolves are bigger and their fur color is usually darker than a coyotes. you see its the same reason we dont call a tiger a jaguar although they are in the feline species

Answer 6

Because they are two separate animals. Wolves are much larger than coyotes.



An interesting animal on the rise is the coydog - a mixture of coyote and dogs. This makes a animal that looks like a coyote, but it bulkier and larger.

Answer 7

Because a Coyote is a different animal. Smaller, and lighter in colour.

Answer 8

Different animal, different set of chromosomes and genetic structure. Both are Canids, just as domestic pet dogs are.

#

Why call it something other than a wolf?



Same reason as a Donkey and a Zebra are DIFFERENT, but both belong to the Equine group but they are not the same animal.

Answer 9

because coyotes are coyotes and wolves are wolves.



they are 2 distinct animals.

Answer 10

they may be related to the wolf, in the fact that they are canids.. but they are not wolves.



Being called a Parie Wolf doesnt make it a wolf.

Answer 11

2 different animals

Answer 12

Their species is C.Latrans while wolves species are very diverse and there are lots. Its in the order of classification.

Answer 13

Because they are not the same animal. That is like asking why we don't call golden retrievers beagles.

Answer 14

They are 2 different breeds.

Answer 15

because they are not the same animal.

Answer 16

I was always wondering about that 2