This member of the dog family is extremely adaptable and survives in virtually all habitat types common in Michigan. They are most abundant in areas where adequate food, cover and water are available. Urban areas can also support coyotes. The size of a coyote’s home range depends on the food and cover resources available and on the number of other coyotes in an area, but it generally averages between 8 and 12 square miles. Mated pairs and 4-7 recently born pups occupy the home range during the spring and summer seasons in Michigan..

How do I distinguish a coyote from other dog species?
Coyotes can be difficult to distinguish from a medium-sized German shepherd dog from a distance. There is a wide variation in the coyote’s color, but generally their upper body is yellowish gray, and the fur covering the throat and belly is white to cream color. The coyote’s ears are pointed and stand erect, unlike the ears of domestic dogs that often droop. When observed running, coyotes carry their bushy, black-tipped tail below the level of their back. Wolves, which are found in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, are larger than coyotes and carry their tail in a horizontal position while running. The size and weight of coyotes are commonly overestimated, because their long fur masks a bone structure that is slighter than that of most domestic dogs. Click here for distinguishing differences between coyotes and wolves.

When are Coyotes most likely to be seen?
People are most likely to see coyotes during their breeding period, which occurs in Michigan from mid-January into March. As fall approaches, pups begin dispersing from the den site to establish home ranges of their own. These young dispersing animals sometimes wander into urban areas. Coyotes are active day and night/ however, peaks in activity occur at sunrise and sunset. Coyotes generally feed at night.

What is the life expectancy of a coyote?
Coyotes can often live six to eight years in the wild. Various forms of natural mortality include disease, predation, and starvation. However, hunting, trapping and vehicle collisions are common causes of coyote mortality. Approximately 50-70% of juvenile coyotes do not reach adulthood. Annual adult mortality averages 30-50%. Coyotes can compensate for severe reductions in population numbers by breeding at younger ages and by having larger litters.

What do coyotes eat?
Coyotes are opportunistic and will eat almost anything available. Small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, rabbits, hares, and squirrels are preferred foods. However, insects, fruits, berries, birds, frogs, snakes, plants, and seeds round out their diet. In areas with high deer numbers, carrion resulting from vehicle-deer collisions, natural causes, and crippling losses is an important source of food. In urban areas, coyotes are attracted to garbage, garden vegetables, and pet food. They will also prey on unattended small dogs and cats, if opportunities exist. Some coyotes learn to kill smaller livestock, such as sheep, goats, calves and poultry. Larger animals are almost always consumed as carrion.

Do coyotes present any danger people?
Coyotes rarely attack humans. Bites from snakes, rodents, and domestic doges are a far greater possibility than coyote bites, according to public health authorities. Coyotes that are fed become accustomed to people and present a human safety risk. People should never intentionally feed or attempt to tame coyotes. It is in the best interest of both coyotes and humans if coyotes retain their instinctive fear of people. The following important points can help minimize potential conflicts with coyotes:

• Never approach or touch a coyote
• Never intentionally feed a coyote
• Eliminate all outside food sources, especially pet foods
• Put garbage out the morning of pickup day
• Clear out wood and brush piles; they are good habitat for rats and mice and may attract coyotes
• Good husbandry practices, guard animals, and coyote control measures can help to protect livestock
• Do no allow pets t roam free when coyotes are present
  • Consider keeping pets indoors or accompany them outside

Who should I contact if I have coyote depredation problems?
The following agencies or businesses can be contacted for advice or assistance if coyote depredation becomes a problem:
United States Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Service
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Animal Damage Control Businesses
County Animal Control Units

Click on the following links for more information on livestock depredation: