Sedit was named for the local Suisun Indian word meaning "coyote." She is an example of the sometimes unfortunate interactions of man and wildlife - especially coyotes. Taken as a pup, she was found chained to a post and was never allowed to develop the skills for life in the wild.

Coyotes differ from wolves in that they prefer to hunt alone. 80% of their diet consists of rodents; but they will eat almost anything, including fruit, carrion, lizards and insects.

Contrary to Western legend, research suggests that few coyotes prey on livestock. However, since the late 19th Century, millions of coyotes have been killed by trappers, hunters and ranchers. Despite more than a century of persecution, coyotes have developed from a resident of the grasslands and desert to a widely distributed animal - now more in Texas alone than in all of North America in 1492.

Their latin name, Canis latrans, means "barking dog" as they howl more than wolves or foxes. The Eastern race is larger than the Western.

Coyote pups are born in early May, leave the den in June, and remain with the mother until fall. They are raised by their mother as well as their older brothers and sisters (the extended family). They are first fed by the adults, then whole prey is brought to them and finally they accompany the adults on hunting trips.

The complicated process of learning and social interaction was interrupted for Sedit, which is why she is now unreleasable.