You’ve heard it. That high-pitched, chaotic yapping that starts just after the sun dips below the horizon. It isn't a wolf. It definitely isn't a dog. It’s the sound of coyotes in the wild, and honestly, that sound is becoming the soundtrack of American suburbs just as much as it is the open range.
Coyotes are weirdly successful. While most large predators in North America—think grizzlies or mountain lions—saw their territories shrink to tiny fragments of what they once were, the coyote did the opposite. They expanded. Big time. Since the early 1900s, these scrappy canines have pushed into every corner of the continent, from the freezing forests of Alaska to the humid swamps of Florida, and even right into the heart of New York City’s Central Park. They are the ultimate survivors.
The Myth of the Lone Wolf
Most people think of the coyote as a solitary drifter. A loner. But that’s only half the story.
Biologically, Canis latrans is flexible. In the classic desert environments of the Southwest, you might see them hunting alone or in loose pairs. However, researchers like Dr. Stanley Gehrt, who has led the Cook County Coyote Project in Chicago for over twenty years, found something fascinating: urban and suburban coyotes often live in highly organized family groups. They have territories. They have hierarchies. They basically run the neighborhood while we’re all asleep.
They aren't just smaller wolves. While they share a common ancestor, coyotes evolved to fill a specific niche. They are generalists. A wolf needs large prey—deer, elk, moose. A coyote? A coyote will eat a fallen apple, a field mouse, a sandwich wrapper, or a grasshopper. This "eat anything" strategy is exactly why they didn't go extinct when the pioneers moved West. They just changed their menu.
Why They Are Everywhere Now
If you feel like you’re seeing more coyotes in the wild than your parents did, you’re right. You aren't imagining it.
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Historically, the gray wolf kept coyote populations in check. Wolves don't like competition, and they would actively kill coyotes that entered their turf. When humans systematically removed wolves from most of the lower 48 states, we accidentally opened the door for the "Song Dog." Without the big boss around, coyotes took over.
It's a phenomenon called "mesopredator release."
Then there’s the hybrid factor. In the Northeast, you’ve probably heard people talk about "Coywolves." While that's a catchy media name, scientists generally prefer the term "Eastern Coyote." These animals are, on average, larger than their Western cousins. Why? Because as they migrated East through Canada, they interbred with remaining wolf populations and domestic dogs. This genetic soup gave them the size to take down white-tailed deer and the boldness to live near humans.
What they actually eat
People get worried about their pets, and yeah, that's a valid concern. But if you look at scat analysis studies—literally looking at what they poop out—the results are usually surprising.
- Small rodents: Voles, mice, and rats make up the vast majority of their diet.
- Fruit and vegetation: They love persimmons, berries, and fallen fruit from backyard trees.
- Insects: In the summer, they’ll gorge on grasshoppers.
- Fawn: During the spring, they are major predators of deer fawns.
- Human-related food: This includes trash, birdseed (which attracts the rodents they eat), and unfortunately, outdoor pet food.
The Intelligence Factor
They are smart. Scary smart.
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There’s a reason Mark Twain called the coyote a "living, breathing allegory of Want." He saw them as pathetic, but he missed their genius. Coyotes have learned to navigate traffic. In the Chicago study, researchers tracked coyotes that actually waited for green lights to cross busy intersections. They didn't understand the light, obviously, but they understood the pattern of the cars. They adapted to us.
They also have a unique vocal range. That "yip-howl" isn't just noise; it’s a sophisticated communication system. When a pack howls together, they use a variety of pitches and rapid shifts in tone. This creates an auditory illusion. Two or three coyotes can sound like a dozen. It’s a defense mechanism meant to trick other packs into thinking a territory is more crowded than it actually is. It’s basically a biological "Keep Out" sign.
Coexisting With the Song Dog
We have to stop thinking of coyotes in the wild as "invaders." They are here to stay.
Trying to eradicate them doesn't work. In fact, it usually makes the problem worse. This is due to a biological quirk called "compensatory reproduction." When you kill off a large portion of a coyote population, the survivors respond by having larger litters. Normally, only the "alpha" pair breeds. But when the social structure is disrupted by hunting or trapping, younger females start breeding too. You end up with more coyotes than you started with.
Keeping things safe
If you have them in your backyard, don't panic. But don't be "nice" to them either.
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Hazing is the best tool we have. If a coyote sees a human and doesn't feel a sense of fear, it becomes "habituated." That’s when things get dangerous. If you see one, make noise. Wave your arms. Throw a tennis ball near it (not at it, necessarily, just to scare it). Use an air horn. You want that coyote to think, "Wow, humans are loud and annoying, I should stay away from them."
Keep your cats inside. Seriously. While coyotes don't "hunt" cats as a primary food source, they are opportunistic. If a cat is out at 2:00 AM, it's a potential meal. Same goes for small dogs. Use a leash. It’s a simple fix that prevents 99% of negative encounters.
The Future of the American Coyote
We are witnessing evolution in real-time. The coyote is changing. As they settle deeper into urban environments, they are becoming more nocturnal to avoid us. They are becoming more social to handle larger prey.
They provide a service, too. By keeping rodent and Canada geese populations in check, they actually help balance the local ecosystem. In some cities, they are the only thing standing between us and a literal plague of rats.
It’s a weird relationship. We admire their craftiness but fear their presence. We see them as ghosts in the brush, fleeting shadows that vanish the moment you try to get a photo.
Next Steps for Homeowners and Nature Lovers:
- Audit your property: Remove fallen fruit, secure trash lids with bungee cords, and never leave pet food outside overnight. These are "attractants" that turn a passing coyote into a permanent resident.
- Install motion-activated lighting: While not a foolproof deterrent, bright LEDs can discourage coyotes from loitering near your porch or garage.
- Carry a "hazing tool": If you walk your dog in areas known for coyote activity, carry a whistle or a small pop-open umbrella. The sudden sound and visual change are usually enough to send a curious coyote running.
- Educate the neighborhood: A coyote-safe yard doesn't matter if your neighbor is leave-feeding them. Use community boards to ensure everyone understands that a "tame" coyote is a dead coyote. Keep them wild for their own safety.
- Observe from a distance: If you’re lucky enough to spot one in a park, use binoculars. Appreciate the fact that you’re looking at one of the most adaptable mammals on the planet, but don't try to get close for a "selfie." Respect the boundary.