Alaska’s coyotes are often mistaken for wolves as they have a somewhat similar look. They are, however, less than half as large. A coyote’s distinctive features include a sharply pointed nose, sharply pointed ears (that never droop) and a long bushy tail. Their yipping-yapping howl is often heard at AWCC, especially when a distant train blows its whistle.
In early June 2004, AWCC received a call from Elmendorf Air Force Base asking if our staff could care for a litter of coyote pups. The parents had built a den too close to the runway and the animals were in danger of getting injured or killed by the frequent aircraft take-offs and landings. The litter was captured and the parents were expected to relocate their future den in an area where the family will not be disturbed. The coyotes have been placed in the 18 acre brown bear exhibit. Since they have enough space and food, there has been no conflict between the brown bears and the coyotes. Coyotes are occasionally seen hunting mice or snowshoe hares. They scavenge remains from the bear feedings and are also fed nightly.