Coyotes are a well-established part of Pennsylvania’s wildlife landscape. These adaptable canids are found across the entire state, from dense forests to suburban and urban-fringe environments. Their presence in Pennsylvania is now widespread and permanent.
Coyote Presence Across Pennsylvania
Coyotes have expanded their range significantly into Pennsylvania, particularly since the mid-20th century. The first verified specimen in Pennsylvania was recorded in Clearfield County in 1946, though photographic evidence dates back to the 1930s. An influx of coyotes from the Catskill Mountains in New York began in the late 1960s, leading to their spread south and west across the state. By 1990, coyotes occupied all of Pennsylvania, with the highest populations concentrated in the northern half.
These animals have demonstrated adaptability, thriving in diverse habitats. They can be found in heavily forested regions, agricultural areas, and around major populated areas such as Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and Pittsburgh. Coyotes prefer areas with heavy, brushy cover, often along the edges where forests meet agricultural fields, where prey is abundant, making encounters increasingly possible across almost all of the Commonwealth.
Recognizing Coyotes
Eastern coyotes in Pennsylvania are larger than their western counterparts, a characteristic attributed to historical interbreeding with gray wolves. Adult males weigh between 45 to 55 pounds, while females are smaller, weighing 35 to 40 pounds. Their total body length, from nose to tail tip, ranges from 48 to 60 inches.
Their fur color varies, from light blond to reddish blond, gray, or even dark brown washed with black. Many coyotes in Pennsylvania have a gray coloration similar to a German Shepherd. Features include erect, pointed ears, a slender muzzle, and a bushy tail that is carried in a downward position. Unlike domestic dogs, coyotes have a leaner build, and their tracks are more elongated than rounded.
Coyotes communicate through vocalizations, often the first sign of their presence. They produce yips, barks, and howls. A lone howl is made by a single coyote; group howls are emitted when two or more gather, often in response to distant howls or to announce their location. Barking serves as a warning signal, ranging from a mild alert to an aggressive, territorial defense.
Understanding Coyote Behavior
Coyotes are opportunistic omnivores; their diet is diverse, reflecting available food sources. Their diet includes small mammals like mice, voles, and rabbits. Deer are also a primary food item, found in over half of analyzed coyote scats in Pennsylvania, often consumed as carrion. They also eat birds, insects, and plant material, including various fruits, important seasonal foods.
Coyotes are primarily nocturnal, but can be active during daylight hours, particularly in the morning. Their social structure centers around a monogamous mated pair and their offspring, maintaining pair bonds for several years. Young coyotes begin to disperse from the family unit around six months of age, traveling up to 100 miles (though 30 to 50 miles is more common).
Dens are used for raising young, with litters averaging five to seven pups born from mid-April to early May. These dens are located in concealed areas like steep banks, rock crevices, or enlarged burrows dug by other animals. Coyotes are adaptable, allowing them to successfully navigate various landscapes, including human-dominated areas, by utilizing available food and shelter.
Coexisting with Coyotes
Living alongside coyotes requires understanding their behavior and preventing conflicts. Most coyotes are wary of humans and avoid direct encounters. However, they can become accustomed to human presence, especially if food sources are readily available. To prevent attracting coyotes, secure garbage in robust containers, avoid leaving pet food outdoors, and ensure outdoor grills are clean.
Supervise pets, especially small dogs and cats, as they can occasionally become prey. Keeping cats indoors and walking dogs on a leash is recommended. If a coyote approaches and appears unafraid, hazing techniques reinforce their natural fear of humans. Hazing techniques include:
Making yourself look large.
Waving your arms and yelling loudly.
Using noisemakers like whistles or air horns.
Throwing small objects like sticks or rocks towards the coyote.
Never run away from a coyote, as this can trigger a chase response. Continue hazing until the coyote leaves the area. If a coyote exhibits unusually aggressive behavior or appears sick or injured, contact wildlife authorities, such as the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Report sightings or problem coyotes to help wildlife managers monitor populations and address specific concerns.