234 ANIMAL COMPETITORS 



tiers of marauders while doing no damage to 

 human arts and interests it would be a most 

 advantageous arrangement; and it is toward 

 this solution of the problem that efforts should 

 be concentrated. The following general ac- 

 count of the animal and its habits is by David 

 E. Lantz: 



"While in general denizens of the higher open 

 plains, coyotes are found also on the low tropical 

 coasts of Mexico and Texas and in the higher moun- 

 tain ranges of the interior. In the northern and 

 northeastern parts of their range they inhabit par- 

 tially wooded country, and even on the plains they 

 are partial to broken and hilly sections. 



"Coyotes breed once a year. The mating season 

 is late in January or early in February. The period 

 of gestation is about sixty-three days. The young 

 are produced in dens and number from four to eight 

 or even more. The dens are usually enlarged from 

 those made by badgers or smaller animals, and are 

 often among rocks or in washed-out places along 

 banks of streams. Probably at times they are made 

 entirely by the coyotes. They are rarely far below 

 the surface, but sometimes of considerable extent, 

 and with two or more openings. Little attempt is 

 made to provide nests for the young. In the Central 

 West these are born early in April, and usually may 

 be heard in the dens during May. In June they come 

 out to play around the mouths of the burrows, which 



