The coyote (Canis latrans) is North America’s most widespread and adaptable canid, thriving across diverse habitats. Its resilience is partly attributed to remarkable physical capabilities, including an impressive capacity for movement. Understanding the true measure of their running ability requires looking beyond simple top speeds to examine the mechanics of their movement.
Maximum Running Speed
The maximum speed a coyote can achieve is a short, explosive burst, typically recorded in the range of 40 to 43 miles per hour. This velocity is maintained for only brief moments, primarily when the animal is closing the distance on fleeing prey or escaping immediate danger. Performance can be affected by factors like the animal’s age, overall health, and the surface traction of the terrain.
When running over long distances, coyotes maintain a sustained pace between 25 and 30 miles per hour. They possess the stamina to hold this speed for extended periods, sometimes for 20 to 30 minutes, allowing them to cover five miles or more without tiring. The species’ running profile is defined by a balance between explosive acceleration and prolonged endurance.
Physical Adaptations for Speed and Endurance
The coyote’s physical structure provides the anatomical basis for its combination of speed and stamina. Their body is supported by long, slender legs that contribute to an efficient stride length. They are digitigrade, meaning they walk and run on their toes, an adaptation that lengthens the limb and increases mechanical efficiency during a run.
For achieving maximum velocity, coyotes utilize the rotary gallop, a four-beat pattern that maximizes propulsion. During this high-speed movement, the flexible spine acts like a spring, flexing and extending to increase the distance covered with each stride. This flexion enhances the burst of acceleration needed to quickly overtake an escaping animal.
The capacity for long-distance running comes from a physiological system focused on endurance. Efficient circulatory and respiratory systems allow for superior thermoregulation, which prevents the animal from overheating during prolonged pursuits. This enables them to maintain a consistent pace for a significant duration, allowing them to outlast prey that may be faster in a short sprint.
Speed in Hunting and Evasion
When hunting small prey like mice or ground squirrels, the coyote employs a strategy of stalking and ambush. It uses a short, explosive burst to pounce on the target from close range. The full 43 miles per hour sprint is rarely necessary for this type of predation, which relies more on agility and surprise.
For larger, swifter prey or during evasion, the coyote’s superior endurance is the primary tool for success. While a jackrabbit can sprint faster than 45 miles per hour over a short distance, the coyote’s ability to maintain a 30-mile-per-hour pace allows it to wear down the faster animal until capture. This sustained pace is also deployed when evading threats like competing predators or escaping dangerous encounters with humans.