Nebraska Coyote 421 



chipmunks and other small mammals are likewise consumed, as well as 

 reptiles, birds, and insects, while under the impulse of extreme hunger 

 carrion is not disdained. Fruit also forms a portion of the diet of the 

 coyote. 



The typical Mississippi representative of the coyote, which inhabits 

 Iowa and probably some of the neighbouring districts, is the largest of 

 its kind, specially distinguished by its pale coloration and the relatively 

 large size and stoutness of its cheek-teeth. The general colour of the fur 

 ot the upper-partSy from the ears to the tail, is described by Dr. Merriam 

 as a mixture of huffish grey and black, that of the under-parts and upper 

 lip being whitish, and the long hairs ot the throat sparsely tipped with 

 blackish so as to give the gorget a grizzled appearance. The basal length 

 of a male skull is 7^ inches. 



THE NEBRASKA COYOTE 



[Cams latrans nebrascensis) 



Originally called Canis pallidus by Dr. Merriam, this race of the coyote 

 was renamed by its describer in 1898 on account of a previous use of its 

 first title. It is a paler representative of the typical race, with the backs 

 of the ears buff instead of fulvous, and the skull and teeth slightly smaller. 

 The pale coloration of this race is suited to the arid nature of the district 

 it inhabits. The type specimen came from Nebraska, but the range of 

 this form includes the Great Plains from Eastern Colorado northwards into 

 Canada, as well as Montana, with the exception of the mountains. South- 

 wards from Eastern Colorado it is replaced on the plains by another form ; 

 both occurring together in one part of Colorado. The basal length of a 

 male skull is 7 inches. 



