A coyote is a wild dog native to North America, smaller than a wolf but larger than a fox, with gray-brown fur, pointed ears, and a bushy tail. Coyotes are remarkably adaptable animals that can survive in forests, deserts, mountains, and even cities. While wolves mostly disappeared from areas where humans live, coyotes learned to thrive alongside us, hunting rabbits, mice, and other small animals, and sometimes raiding trash cans or raiding chicken coops.

Coyotes are famous for their nighttime howling, a sound that can be eerie and beautiful at the same time. They often howl to communicate with their pack or announce their territory. Native American stories frequently feature the clever, tricky Coyote as a character who uses his wits to solve problems or sometimes creates trouble with his schemes.