I agree on some but disagree on some lumberjack.

The nail prints is a dead giveaway and the front paws being bigger that the back is also true. Thanks for pointing that out!

But the side to side thing is true. coyotes walk in a straight line, domestics do not.

Coyotes are going to point A to point B by their travel route, it is the same travel route UNLESS something spoils that route. They travel that route because they know it, trust it and know how to use it's terrian. Much like Deer.

coyotes also have set Den sites, assembly areas and Hunting areas. So by saying that they Might miss food sources by walking in a straight line is untrue. They know what land and terrian holds food and they go to it. When the food source dries up, they find another. Thats why coyotes have such a huge range that they travel every day, Some studies show the N.E. coyote has up to 20 miles to travel that they do everyday.

I admit that on occasion they might stumble on a mouse under the snow or rabbit by suprise, but they generally hunt where the food sources are.

With all that being said and you still don't trust your track ID skills try locating at night to find your coyotes. Because 95% of the time if you go out howling after 9 or so at night and you get a vocal response, you have found a denning site.

Easterns are MUCH less vocal than westerns and not as abundant. You have to get them where they live and feel comfortable responding to that "easy meal" or when you create a territorial response by them. Easterns will most always respond vocally from a den site, not hunting grounds or travel route. They are very cautious to give up there location unless they are on their turf. (again, where they are comfortable)

Good luck guys!