BACKGROUND - Canadian Rockies: Including Banff and Jasper National Parks - page 506

WILD DOGS AND CATS
Coyotes
The coyote is often mistaken for a wolf when in fact it is much smaller, weighing up to
only 15 kilograms (33 pounds). It has a pointed nose and a long, bushy tail. Its coloring
is a mottled mix of brown and gray, with lighter-colored legs and belly. The coyote is a
skillful and crafty hunter, preying mainly on rodents. Coyotes have the remarkable ability
to hear the movement of small mammals under the snow, allowing them to hunt these an-
imals without actually seeing them. They are often seen patrolling the edges of highways
and crossing open meadows in low-lying valleys.
Wolves
Wolves that inhabit the Canadian Rockies are larger than coyotes and larger than the
wolves of eastern Canada. They weigh up to 60 kilograms (132 pounds), stand up to one
meter (3.2 feet) high at the shoulder, and resemble large huskies or German shepherds.
Their color ranges from snow white to brown or black; those in the Canadian Rockies are,
most often, shades of gray. They usually hunt in packs of up to eight members, traveling,
hunting, and resting together, and adhering to a hierarchical social order. As individuals,
they are complex and intriguing, capable of expressing happiness, humor, and loneliness.
WILDLIFE AND YOU
An abundance of wildlife is one of the biggest draws of the Canadian Rockies. To
help preserve this precious resource, obey fishing and hunting regulations and use
common sense.
Do not feed the animals. Many animals may seem tame, but feeding them en-
dangers yourself, the animal, and other visitors, as animals become aggressive when
looking for handouts (even the smallest critters, such as squirrels).
Store food safely. When camping, keep food in your vehicle or out of reach of
animals. Just leaving it in a cooler isn't good enough.
Keep your distance. Although it's tempting to get close to wildlife for a better
look or a photograph, it disturbs the animal and, in many cases, can be dangerous.
Drive carefully. The most common cause of premature death for larger mam-
mals is being hit by vehicles.