Which U.S. State Has The Most Coyotes?

Coyotes are one of the most adaptable wild mammals in North America. These clever canines have spread far beyond their traditional Western habitat to thrive in wilderness, rural, and even suburban areas across much of the continent.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: California has the largest coyote population among U.S. states, with an estimated 250,000-750,000 coyotes statewide.

In this approximately 3000 word article, we’ll take an in-depth look at coyote populations across the U.S. states. We’ll discuss coyote habitat range, reasons for population growth, dangers posed by coyotes, and state-by-state breakdowns of coyote densities.

Coyote Habitat Range Across the U.S.

Historic Range

Coyotes are native to the plains and deserts of central North America. Their historic range stretched from Central America up to the Prairies of Canada. However, they were largely absent east of the Mississippi River except for some areas around Tennessee.

According to research, less than 300,000 coyotes likely roamed the American West before European settlement. Their numbers were kept in check by wolves, which fiercely compete with coyotes for territory and prey.

Expanded Range

Coyotes have greatly expanded their range over the last 200 years. As settlers moved west, they killed off many of the wolves that had historically suppressed coyote populations. At the same time, new habitats were created as forests were cleared for farmland.

The combination of diminished competition from wolves and newly available habitat enabled coyotes to dramatically expand their numbers and range. Coyotes now live in all of the lower 48 states. Estimates suggest there may be up to 10 million coyotes living across North America today.

Ideal Habitats

Coyotes can live in a variety of habitats, from deserts to forests to urban areas. However, some environments suit them better than others. Their ideal habitats tend to have the following characteristics:

• Mixture of open areas and brush for hunting prey during the day and dense cover for resting at night
• Abundance of small mammals to prey upon such as mice, rabbits, squirrels
• Access to water sources
• Low competition from larger predators like wolves and bears

This is why coyotes thrive so well in the plains, brush lands, and deserts of the American West and Southwest where these habitat features are common. They have also adapted remarkably well to human-altered environments like farmland and suburbs.

Essentially, coyotes can make themselves at home almost anywhere their basic needs for food, water and shelter are met.

Research source: Coyotes, National Park Service

Reasons for Coyote Population Growth

Adaptability

Coyotes are incredibly adaptable animals, allowing them to thrive in a variety of environments across North America. Here are some key ways coyotes have adapted to grow their populations:

• Coyotes can survive on a wide variety of foods including small mammals, insects, fruit and human garbage. This diverse diet allows them to live in urban, suburban, rural and wilderness areas.
• They can tolerate hot and cold climates from Mexico to Alaska. Thick fur in winter and light fur in summer helps them regulate body temperature.
• Coyotes can adjust their reproductive rates based on food availability. In times of abundance, they will have larger litters of pups.
• They form flexible social groups based on season and environment. In cities, coyotes may live solitary lives. In rural areas, they formpacks for more effective hunting.
• Coyotes have expanded their range dramatically over the last century as land conversion and extirpation of wolves has opened up new territory.

In short, the coyote’s exceptional ability to adapt has allowed it to prosper in human-altered environments that are unsuitable for other wildlife species. Their intelligent and versatile nature makes them one of North America’s most resilient animals.

Lack of Predators

Another major reason for coyote population growth is the lack of predators that previously kept their numbers in check. Here are some key points on this factor:

• Historically, wolves and cougars preyed upon coyotes, limiting their populations in many areas. As these larger predators declined, coyote populations surged.
• The extirpation of gray wolves across much of the United States allowed coyotes to expand their range dramatically. Between 1900 and the 1970s, the coyote’s range trebled in size.
• Even in areas where wolf populations are recovering, like Yellowstone National Park, coyotes have learned to avoid predation by living in smaller packs and avoiding areas frequented by wolves.
• Attempts to control coyote populations through hunting have largely been ineffective. Coyotes can compensate for hunting pressures by increasing litter sizes and raising the proportion of females that breed.

Essentially, the disappearance of coyote predators has enabled their populations to grow unchecked. Restoring healthy predator communities could help manage coyotes and prevent overpopulation in their historic range.

Abundant Food Sources

The availability of food resources is another driver of coyote population growth, especially in developed areas. Key food sources include:

• Small mammals like mice, rabbits and voles which are plentiful in many areas.
• Fruit and berries from trees and shrubs.
• Insects which are a protein-rich food source.
• Roadkill from vehicle collisions provides easy meals.
• Pet food left outdoors is an attractant.
• Unsecured trash, compost and food waste provides food in urban areas.
• The decline of apex predators means more deer and other prey for coyotes.

As coyotes have adapted to take advantage of these food sources, their populations have expanded. Careful management of attractants, especially in urban areas, could discourage coyotes from becoming over reliant on human-provided foods.

Dangers Posed by Coyotes

Attacks on Pets

Coyotes attacking and killing pets, especially cats and small dogs, has become an increasing problem as coyote populations continue to expand into suburban and urban areas. Statistics show that coyotes are responsible for killing thousands of pets each year in the United States.

This is concerning for pet owners, as losing a beloved pet in this manner can be heartbreaking.

Coyotes primarily hunt small mammals such as rabbits, rodents, and even house cats. A coyote may attack a small dog if given the opportunity. They are opportunistic hunters and will not pass up an easy meal. A coyote sees a cat or small dog as prey and a quick bite to eat.

Larger dogs may be attacked as well, but coyotes prefer smaller animal prey that poses less risk to their survival.

To protect pets, it’s important keep cats indoors and to not leave small dogs outside unattended, especially at dawn and dusk when coyotes are most active. Accompanying dogs when taking them out at night is also crucial.

Securing backyard fences and removing brush where coyotes may hide can also dissuade them from coming around homes. Being vigilant is key to reducing the risks coyotes pose to pets.

Threats to Livestock

Coyotes attacking poultry and livestock can cause substantial economic losses for farmers and ranchers. Chickens, ducks, turkeys, sheep, goats, and calves are vulnerable to coyote predation. A single coyote is capable of killing up to 20 sheep or lambs in one attack.

According to research by the National Agricultural Statistics Service, coyotes account for 60% of lamb deaths due to predators. Significant increases in lamb losses are observed in areas with high coyote populations.

The estimated annual economic impact on the U.S. sheep industry alone is over $10 million as a result of coyote predation.

To protect livestock, multiple strategies must be employed. Secure enclosures with tall fencing, guard animals like dogs or donkeys, and human presence can help deter coyote attacks. Lethal control through shooting or trapping may sometimes be necessary as well.

Diligence and an integrated pest management approach is required to minimize coyote depredation.

Disease Transmission

Coyotes may spread infectious diseases that can impact wildlife, domestic animals, and humans. As predators, coyotes may contract diseases from infected prey species. Additionally, their habit of living near humans can increase disease transmission risks.

Some notable coyote-related diseases include rabies, canine distemper, tuberculosis, tularemia, and mange (sarcoptic mange in particular). Rabies poses risks to pets and humans bitten by infected coyotes. Distemper and mange can spread to domestic dogs.

Echinococcosis tapeworm infection can be passed to humans through contact with infected coyote feces.

Ongoing surveillance is critical for monitoring and managing these disease threats. Vaccinating domestic dogs against rabies and distemper can create an immune buffer protecting humans and their pets. Public education can also help people take proper precautions.

Danger to Humans

While human attacks are rare, coyotes do pose some danger to people. As natural coyote habitat shrinks, conflicts with humans become more likely. Small children are particularly vulnerable.

According to research compiled by wildlife agencies, there were over 150 reported attacks on humans by coyotes in the United States and Canada between 1960 and 2006. Most attacks were relatively minor in nature, though some resulted in more serious wounds.

Anecdotally, attacks seem to have increased in recent years.

Typically, coyotes avoid humans. But they may lose fear of humans when they associate people with food sources like garbage or pet food left outdoors. To promote human safety, experts recommend removing food attractants, scaring away coyotes seen near homes, and not allowing small children unattended outdoors where coyotes roam.

State-by-State Coyote Populations

California

California has one of the largest coyote populations in the United States, with an estimated 250,000-750,000 coyotes statewide. These intelligent canines are found in all 58 counties, inhabiting diverse habitats from deserts to forests to urban areas.

Coyotes thrive in California due to the year-round temperate climate, abundant prey sources like rodents and rabbits, and lack of natural predators. Some notable coyote facts for California:

• The California Department of Fish and Wildlife receives over 4,000 coyote-related calls annually.
• LA County has an estimated 5,000-10,000 coyotes, more than any other county.
• San Francisco saw coyote sightings increase by over 300% from 2004 to 2016.
• Coyotes in California have adapted to live in close proximity to humans in cities, parks, and suburbs.

As coyote populations continue to expand in The Golden State, wildlife officials, animal control, and residents must learn to coexist with these wild canids. Educational programs teach Californians how to prevent conflicts by removing food attractants, scaring bold coyotes away, and monitoring pets and children.

Overall, these resilient coyotes play an important role in the state’s ecosystems while presenting unique challenges in rapidly urbanizing areas.

Texas

The Lone Star State is home to a sizeable and widespread coyote population, with an estimated 400,000 coyotes statewide. Coyotes inhabit all ecological regions in Texas, from the Piney Woods and Post Oak Savannah in the east to the arid Chihuahuan Desert in the west.

Abundant habitat, plentiful prey like rodents, insects and deer fawns, mild winters and lack of natural predators have allowed coyotes to thrive here. Here are some fast coyote facts for Texas:

• Coyotes are classified as nuisance animals and can be hunted year-round with no bag limit.
• The majority of coyotes in Texas are smaller than western coyotes, averaging 15-20 lbs.
• Coyotes have expanded into all major metro areas, including Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas-Fort Worth.
• Texas Wildlife Services removed 17,000 coyotes in 2020 considered threats to agriculture, property or human safety.

While coyotes serve an important ecological role, their encroachment into urban and suburban areas has sometimes led to conflicts with people and pets. Texans are encouraged to remove attractants, reinforce fencing, and use scare tactics to discourage bold coyotes in developed areas.

With proper management, these intelligent canines can coexist with humans throughout the Lone Star State.

Florida

The coyote population in Florida has increased significantly over the past decades, with estimates ranging from 250,000 to 500,000 statewide. Coyotes inhabit all 67 counties in a wide variety of habitats, from pinelands and swamps to subtropical hardwood forests and coastal areas.

Mild winters, abundant food sources such as rodents, insects, fish and outdoor pet food, and lack of large predators have enabled coyotes to expand their range across Florida. Here are some interesting coyote facts about Florida:

• The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission receives over 3,000 coyote-related calls annually.
• South Florida has the highest density of coyotes, who adapt well to urban areas.
• Coyotes are found in many protected areas, including Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve.
• Florida coyotes tend to be smaller than western coyotes, averaging 15 to 25 pounds.

While coyotes play an important role in Florida’s ecology, conflicts may arise in suburban settings with pets and people. Residents are advised to remove food sources, reinforce fencing, and haze bold coyotes to reinstill their natural wariness of humans.

With coexistence education and proper management, Floridians and coyotes can minimize conflicts.

New York

The northeastern state of New York has a sizable and expanding coyote population, with estimates of 20,000-50,000 statewide. Coyotes can be found in all 62 counties in habitats ranging from forests to wetlands to suburbs.

The adaptability, intelligence and resilience of coyotes have allowed them to thrive throughout New York State despite cold winters and high human population density. Here are some key facts about New York’s coyotes:

• Coyotes first expanded into New York in the 1930s and now inhabit areas from Long Island to the Adirondacks.
• The densest coyote populations occur in the suburbs and parks of NYC and on Long Island.
• Coyotes serve an important ecological role, helping control rodent and deer populations.
• The DEC receives hundreds of coyote-related calls annually as conflicts increase in urbanized areas.

In New York, wildlife officials emphasize coexistence through education, removing attractants, reinforcing fences, and hazing habituated coyotes in problem areas. With proper management strategies, New Yorkers can find ways for humans and coyotes to cohabitate while appreciating the vital niche coyotes fill in ecosystems statewide.

Illinois

Illinois has a large and widely distributed coyote population, with estimates ranging from 15,000 to more than 50,000 statewide. Coyotes inhabit all 102 counties in the Prairie State, occupying diverse habitats from forests and prairies to metropolitan parks and urban green spaces.

Here are some notable coyote facts about Illinois:

• The density of coyotes correlates to habitat, with more coyotes in rural areas than urban centers.
• Coyotes first appeared in Illinois in the 1970s and spread rapidly statewide.
• The Chicago metro region has an estimated 2,000 coyotes that occupy city parks and natural areas.
• Illinois coyotes average 20-45 pounds, larger than eastern coyotes but smaller than western ones.

While coyotes provide free rodent and deer control, conflicts can occur in urbanized areas. Illinois officials emphasize preventing problems through education, removing attractants, and instilling coyotes’ natural fear of people.

With proper management, Illinois residents and coyotes can coexist throughout the Prairie State’s diverse landscapes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, coyote populations have exploded across much of the United States thanks to their ability to thrive in diverse habitats. California has the largest number of coyotes among U.S. states, though these intelligent canines have spread to every state except Hawaii.

While coyote attacks on humans are rare, their growing numbers raise concerns about dangers to pets and livestock. Understanding local coyote populations and being vigilant can help minimize conflicts with these wild animals.