Coyote morphometric characteristics and mass dynamics in the San Joaquin Valley, California

External morphological characteristics, growth patterns, and seasonal body mass dynamics of the California Valley coyote (Canis latrans ochropus) were investigated in the southern San Joaquin Valley, California. Total length, tail length, hind-foot length, ear-from-notch length, and body mass were measured on 290 coyote carcasses collected from 1985-90 during a predator control program. Morphometric values for pups (<1 year) increased most rapidly in late spring and early summer, and growth appeared to cease by early winter. Growth patterns of male and female pups were similar. Mean measurements obtained from pups in winter did not differ significantly from those for yearlings (1 year) and adults (greater than or equal to 2 years) indicating that most structural growth is probably completed in the first year. Mean body mass did not vary among age classes For female coyotes, but did vary among age classes for males with adults being significantly heavier than yearlings and pups. Mean mass of adults and yearlings did not vary among seasons.