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 
