Coyotes are highly adaptable canids that have expanded their range across North America, often coexisting with human populations. While many people associate coyotes with nighttime activity, they can indeed be active during daylight hours. Seeing a coyote during the day is not unusual and does not signal a problem. These animals demonstrate a remarkable flexibility in their behavior, allowing them to thrive in diverse environments.
Understanding Coyote Activity
Coyotes are primarily crepuscular, meaning they are most active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk. They also exhibit significant nocturnal activity, especially in areas with greater human presence, where they may shift their schedules to avoid human interaction. Coyotes are opportunistic animals capable of being active at any time of day or night. Their activity patterns can vary based on factors such as prey availability, habitat characteristics, and human disturbance.
This flexibility allows them to adapt to changing conditions and available resources. In less disturbed rural areas, coyotes might be more openly active during the day. However, in urban or suburban settings, they often adjust to human schedules, becoming more nocturnal to minimize encounters.
Reasons for Daytime Coyote Sightings
Several factors contribute to coyotes being visibly active during the day. Food availability drives daytime activity; coyotes hunt for prey, scavenge discarded human food, or seek natural food sources like fallen fruit. Their diet is highly varied, including small mammals, birds, insects, and even fruits and vegetables.
During denning season, typically in spring and summer, parental care significantly increases foraging demands. Both male and female coyotes need to find more food to nourish their growing pups, leading to extended hunting periods that can include daytime hours. This increased need for resources can override their typical crepuscular or nocturnal tendencies.
In developed areas, coyotes may adapt their schedules to reduce exposure to peak human activity, becoming more active during the day if it means encountering fewer people or more available resources. This adaptation demonstrates their ability to learn and respond to their surroundings. Habitat and climate also play a role; in remote areas, coyotes might naturally exhibit more diurnal behavior, and during hot weather, they may seek cooler, shaded areas.
Safe Interactions with Coyotes
To coexist safely with coyotes, avoid feeding them, as this can lead to habituation and a loss of their natural fear. Secure outdoor pet food and trash to prevent coyotes from associating human residences with easy food sources. Supervise pets, especially small ones, outdoors.
If you encounter a coyote during the day, particularly one that appears unafraid, hazing techniques can be used to reinforce their natural wariness. This involves making yourself look larger by waving your arms, making loud noises, or throwing small objects toward them (not at them). The goal is to make the coyote uncomfortable and encourage it to leave the area. Healthy coyotes generally maintain a fear of humans.
Concern should arise if a coyote appears sick, injured, or exhibits unusual behavior, such as approaching people or pets without hesitation. Signs of illness can include disorientation, limping, or excessive drooling. In such instances, or if a coyote shows persistent aggression, it is advisable to contact local animal control or wildlife authorities for guidance.