The howl of the coyote is a classic sound of the American wilderness. But could you hear it in a tropical paradise like Hawaii? Coyotes are found throughout mainland North America, but their presence on islands is more complex.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: While not native to the Hawaiian islands, coyotes have been reported on Hawaii, though populations likely remain very low.
Read on as we dive into the details surrounding coyotes in Hawaii. We’ll look at evidence of their presence, how they could have arrived, their ability to thrive there, as well as management efforts around these intelligent canines.
Evidence of Coyotes in Hawaii
Unconfirmed Sightings
There have been sporadic reports from Hawaii residents claiming to have spotted coyotes on the islands over the past few decades.
In the 1980s and 1990s, several people on Maui and the Big Island reported seeing animals that resembled coyotes, but these sightings were never officially confirmed by wildlife experts.
Occasional unverified coyote sightings continue to be reported today across Hawaii, from Kauai to Hawaii Island. However, without photographic evidence or a captured specimen, biologists have been unable to authenticate these anecdotal reports.
Roadkill Corpses
Carcasses presumed to be coyotes have been found dead on roads in Hawaii periodically. However, DNA testing on the remains has produced inconclusive results on the species identification.
In 2015, a carcass found on the road in Waimea on Hawaii Island was thought to potentially be a coyote based on its physical characteristics. But genetic analysis of the animal was ultimately inconclusive.
Without definitive DNA confirmation, roadkill corpses alone cannot be considered concrete proof that coyotes inhabit Hawaii.
Game Camera Images
A handful of photographs and videos from motion-triggered game cameras on Hawaii Island appear to show coyotes. But the images are often blurry and taken from a distance, making species identification difficult.
In 2016, hunter Marlin Burt captured trail camera footage of a canine on Mauna Kea that he believes was likely a coyote. However, state wildlife experts could not officially confirm the species from the brief video.
While intriguing, the few ambiguous game camera images in Hawaii do not constitute irrefutable evidence of an established coyote population.
Arrival Routes to the Islands
Coyotes likely arrived in Hawaii through a variety of routes over the past couple centuries. Here are some of the possible ways coyotes could have made their way to the Hawaiian Islands:
Stowing Away on Ships
Coyotes are resourceful animals and may have snuck onto ships heading to Hawaii from North America. As stowaways, coyotes could have hid in crates, containers or other cargo. With Hawaii’s busy ports and shipping routes, it’s plausible coyotes slipped aboard ships undetected at some point.
Intentional Introductions
There are accounts of coyotes being purposefully brought to Hawaii in the early 1900s. Some suggest ranchers introduced coyotes to help control rodent populations. However, the coyotes soon turned to livestock and poultry for food sources instead.
Introduced animals often become problematic invasive species, so this could explain one route for coyotes arriving in Hawaii.
Swimming Short Distances
Coyotes are known to be capable swimmers if necessary. While quite far, coyotes may have gradually spread through the Hawaiian island chain by swimming between islands. This would allow them to island-hop from site to site until eventually reaching the main islands.
Coming as Pets
Though less likely, people may have brought coyote pups or adults back to Hawaii as exotic pets. Coyotes are close relatives of dogs and make intriguing but challenging pets. If coyotes escaped or were released, they could have established populations on the islands.
Hawaii’s Suitability for Coyotes
Climate
Hawaii’s tropical climate provides generally comfortable conditions for coyotes. The islands have warm temperatures year-round, with average highs of 80-90°F. This is ideal for coyotes, which fare best in warmer environments. Hawaii does get rain regularly, which provides drinking water.
However, some areas are drier than others, which could pose challenges. Overall, the climate is quite hospitable. Coyotes’ thick fur coats allow them to thrive in diverse habitats from deserts to forests.
Food Sources
There is an abundance of potential food on the islands for coyotes. Smaller mammals such as rodents, rabbits, and feral cats offer ample prey. Coyotes are versatile omnivores, so they can also eat fruits, vegetables, insects, and even garbage provided by humans.
On the mainland, coyotes raid poultry farms, so chickens and eggs could become part of their diet in Hawaii too. One concern is that coyotes may attack livestock, pets, or endangered native birds. Still, the diversity of options means coyotes can find sustenance.
Their adaptability lets them take advantage of many available nutrients.
Threats and Competition
Coyotes face some hazards in Hawaii that could limit populations. There are no major native predators of coyotes on the islands. Feral dogs pose some danger of competition and spread of disease, like mange. However, the biggest threats to coyotes come from humans.
Coyotes face the risk of being hit by vehicles, shot by hunters, or trapped and killed by authorities or property owners if they prey on pets or livestock. These anthropogenic hazards, along with limited space, could prevent coyote populations from expanding indefinitely.
Despite these risks, coyotes have proven adept at thriving close to human civilization on the mainland. With caution and adaptability, they could potentially carve out a permanent niche in Hawaii’s ecosystems.
Management and Control
As an introduced species not native to Hawaii, managing and controlling the coyote population is an important consideration. Here are some key points on this topic:
Population Monitoring
Wildlife agencies closely monitor coyote populations and distribution across Hawaii. Motion-sensor cameras, DNA analysis of scat, and observational reports from the public all contribute to keeping tabs on these clever canines.
Hunting and Trapping Regulations
Hunting of coyotes is allowed year-round in Hawaii, with appropriate permits and licenses. Trapping coyotes is also permissible within certain guidelines. These measures help control populations from getting too high.
Livestock Protection
As coyotes can occasionally prey on livestock like sheep and goats, farmers must take precautions like secure fencing, guard animals, and other non-lethal deterrents. Compensation programs also exist for verified livestock losses.
Public Education
Informing the public on how to avoid conflicts with coyotes is important. Simple tips like not feeding wildlife, securing trash, and supervising pets can reduce incidents. Teaching coexistence helps humans and coyotes safely share the landscape.
Future Outlook
Wildlife experts predict coyotes will likely continue thriving across Hawaii. With sustained management and public cooperation, these intelligent canids can inhabit the islands without causing major issues. Timely control efforts as needed will help balance their populations.
Though preventing coyotes from gaining an enduring foothold in Hawaii remains unrealistic, purposeful management allows locals and coyotes to coexist on the islands as much as feasibly possible. With proactive measures and adaptable policies, regulators can protect the interests of both residents and ecosystems.
Conclusion
While coyote populations are likely small and scattered in Hawaii, their presence cannot be fully discounted given multiple forms of evidence. These intelligent canines have shown ability to adapt and thrive across a variety of habitats.
Time will tell if sustainable populations can persist in Hawaii long-term or remain occasional visitors arriving by boat or plane.
