Species MammalsCoyote

Coyote

Canis latrans

CommonMammal
Illustration of Coyote (Canis latrans)
Safety note: Coyotes generally avoid people — never feed or approach.

The Coyote is a highly adaptable canid that has expanded its range dramatically as wolves were extirpated. Now found from Alaska to Panama and increasingly in major cities. Known for its haunting yipping howl.

Habitat
Prairies, deserts, forests, suburbs, and urban parks
Diet
Small mammals, birds, insects, fruit, and carrion
How common
Common

Best time to see a Coyote

The best time to see a Coyote is January–July, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 100,505 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Not certain it is a Coyote? What animal is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Often confused with

Gray Wolf - see how to tell them apart

Recent Coyote sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

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