Coyotes are adaptable wild canids found across much of North America. Their ability to live in deserts, forests, farmland, and some cities often brings them close to people, but a sighting does not mean an animal is tame or seeking contact. This practical guide explains how coyotes behave, what they eat, and how to reduce conflicts while giving wildlife space.
What coyotes are like
The coyote (Canis latrans) is a member of the dog family native to North America. Its coat color and body size vary with region and season. Coyotes use a range of habitats, from open country to wooded areas and urban edges, and may travel through neighborhoods where food and shelter are available.
Family life, communication, and activity
Coyote social life is flexible rather than a fixed pack hierarchy. A breeding pair may care for pups, and family members can remain together for a time; animals may also forage alone or in pairs. Group size and behavior depend on food, season, territory, and local conditions. Coyotes communicate with scent marks, body posture, and vocalizations such as yips and howls. They can be active at different times of day, with more nighttime activity in places where people are present.
A varied, opportunistic diet
Coyotes eat a varied diet. Depending on what is available, they may take small mammals, insects, fruit, and carrion. In developed areas, unsecured garbage, compost, pet food, and fallen fruit can also attract them. Diet differs by season and location; no single food list or percentage describes every coyote population.
Living safely alongside coyotes
Preventing access to human food is one of the most useful ways to discourage coyotes from lingering near homes. Secure trash and compost, remove fallen fruit, feed pets indoors, and do not leave pet food outside. Keep small pets supervised, especially at dawn, dusk, and overnight; use a leash on walks and do not let dogs chase wildlife. Never feed or approach a coyote.
If a coyote comes too close, stay calm, stand tall, make yourself appear larger, and speak firmly while giving the animal a clear route to leave. If it does not move away, make noise and continue to hold your ground without cornering it. Pick up small children and pets if safe to do so. Do not run. Report an animal that appears sick, injured, unusually unafraid, or persistently aggressive to local wildlife authorities; follow local guidance, since reporting procedures vary.
Seasonal awareness and reliable information
During pup-rearing season, coyotes may defend space near a den or young. If an animal signals distress, barking, or repeated approaches, calmly leave the area and keep pets away. Do not search for or approach a den. For additional practical guidance, see the National Park Service’s coyote information from Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. For a related discussion about checking wildlife claims and reports, read our guide to evaluating claims about coyotes in Sweden.
Frequently asked questions
Are coyotes dangerous to people?
Coyotes generally avoid people, but they are wild animals and encounters should be treated with care. Keep your distance, do not feed them, supervise children and pets, and contact local wildlife authorities about concerning behavior.
What should I do if I see a coyote?
Give it space and do not approach or offer food. If it comes close, stand tall, make noise, and back away while leaving it an escape route. Follow local wildlife-agency advice for repeated or abnormal encounters.
How can I keep coyotes away from my yard?
Remove food attractants: secure garbage and compost, bring pet food indoors, clean up fallen fruit, and avoid feeding wildlife. Supervise pets outdoors and use fencing or other deterrents recommended by your local wildlife agency.
Sources and further reading
Consult the National Park Service coyote resource and your local wildlife agency for location-specific rules and current advice. Coyote behavior varies by place and circumstance, so local guidance is important.
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