Coyote

A coyote was an animal native to the United States. According to Loomis Teague, they posed a significant threat to humans, particularly those who got lost in the hills after nightfall. (NSA: Peacemaker) Indeed, the Fourth Doctor was once perplexed by a pack of coyotes who passed he and Leela by in the middle of a New Hampshire winter. He reasoned that something must be wrong with the animals since they didn't attack he and Leela at a time of year when food was scarce. As he and Leela spent more time around the village of Winnipesaukee, it became apparent that the coyote population had contracted an infection that changed their normal behavior — and spread it to the human population. The town's officials then had to take action to eradicate the infected coyotes. (PDA: Drift)

Cultural references to coyotes

Despite — or perhaps because of — coyotes' aggressive reputation, the Doctor was known amongst the Pawnee as "Brother of Coyote". (NSA: Peacemaker)

A cartoon character known as Wile E. Coyote was known for disappearing off cliffs. (PDA: Drift)