Deep Dive - Our State Animal, the Coyote

16/07/2025 9 min

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Episode Synopsis

Smart, scrappy, and always one step ahead—the coyote is more than just a prairie predator. In this episode we take a deep dive into South Dakota’s official state animal, from its 1949 designation to its legendary role in Lakota folklore and modern-day wildlife management.You’ll hear about Tootsie, the singing coyote from the Black Hills who stole the hearts of South Dakotans, and explore how this adaptable animal has become both a cultural icon and a controversial figure across our plains. We’ll also highlight connections to places like Sioux Falls and Vermillion, where coyotes still howl on the outskirts of town and proudly represent the University of South Dakota.Whether you admire its cunning or have chased one off your property, this episode invites you to see the coyote as a true symbol of survival—and the wild spirit of South Dakota.