The visible coloration of a coyote’s eyes in darkness is most often observed as a bright, reflective yellow, gold, or sometimes even amber. This phenomenon is due to a specialized structure behind the retina called the tapetum lucidum, which enhances their night vision by reflecting light back through the photoreceptor cells. Similar to other nocturnal animals, this adaptation allows coyotes to see more clearly in low-light conditions.
This adaptation is crucial for their survival, enabling them to effectively hunt and navigate their surroundings during the night. The tapetum lucidum improves their ability to detect movement and distinguish shapes in minimal light, increasing their hunting success. This feature has been present in coyotes and other nocturnal mammals for millennia, contributing to their ecological niche and distribution.
