The coyote (Canis latrans) has long been variously respected, feared and blamed. In some Native American folklore, Coyote is an important figure, credited for everything from the "face" on the moon to the placement of the stars to the creation of the earth, life and even the invention of death.

If you are from North Carolina, you may not know this about coyotes. You probably don't know they eat everything from bugs and berries, to birds, bunnies and baby deer. You may have heard they are blamed for livestock loss, cat killings and dog disappearances. You may not realize that they first arrived in North Carolina in the 1980s and now live in all 100 counties of our state.

Coyotes get such credit and blame because they are such adaptive predators and can survive near humans, despite humans. They carry bounties on their heads everywhere they go, and yet they have spread from the west to the east, and south to north.

Their nocturnal ways and natural wariness prevent their numbers from dwindling. Their high-pitched yipping howls can be heard in the warm summer nights. Humans may mistake their howls for those of dogs or fox, but fox don't mistake the yip, for they know coyotes also prey on them.

Coyotes pose little threat to humans, which explains why most of us are not even aware of their presence.

If you have questions about coyotes or other wildlife call Piedmont Wildlife Center (919) 572-9453. (If you are interested in working as a volunteer or enlisting your child in wildlife camp, call or visit our Web site at www.piedmontwildlifecenter.org.