Determining Age of Coyotes by Tooth Cementum Layers

Abstract

A technique is described for determining the age of coyotes (Canis latrans) by characteristics of the canine tooth. Study of 30 known-age coyote skulls revealed that permanent canines erupt at about 4 to 5 months of age, and the root canal closes between the 8th and 9th month. The first annular cementum layer is formed in the root at about the 20th month and one layer is formed each year thereafter. The use of cementum layers to determine age appears accurate even for very old coyotes.