Coyotes, with their distinctive calls and elusive nature, are increasingly observed in diverse environments. Their presence in areas where they were historically uncommon often leads to public curiosity and concern. Many wonder if these adaptable canids, now found across much of North America, should be classified as an invasive species.
What Defines an Invasive Species
An invasive species is an organism not native to a particular ecosystem. For a species to be deemed invasive, its introduction must cause, or be likely to cause, environmental or economic harm, or harm to human health. Such species establish themselves in new environments and spread rapidly, often outcompeting native organisms for resources.
The Coyote’s Journey From West to Widespread
Coyotes, scientifically known as Canis latrans, originated in the open plains and arid regions of western and central North America. For centuries, their distribution was primarily confined to these areas. A significant expansion of their range began around the early 20th century, extending across the continent.
This spread was facilitated by several factors. The elimination of larger predators like wolves and cougars created ecological vacuums, reducing competition and predation pressure on coyotes. Human-altered landscapes also played a significant role; deforestation and agricultural expansion created more open habitats and corridors that favored coyote movement and colonization. Their adaptability allowed them to thrive in these new environments.
Ecological Role and Human Interaction
Coyotes are adaptable generalist predators with a diverse and opportunistic diet. They primarily consume small mammals like rodents and rabbits, but their diet also includes deer, birds, insects, fruits, and even garbage in urban settings. This varied diet allows them to occupy a wide range of habitats, from wildlands to suburban and urban areas.
Coyotes play a role in ecosystem dynamics by influencing mesocarnivore populations. They can limit the numbers of medium-sized predators such as raccoons, skunks, and opossums, a phenomenon known as mesopredator release. This reduction in smaller predators can indirectly benefit ground-nesting birds and help regulate rodent populations. Direct attacks on humans are rare, but conflicts can arise when coyotes become habituated to human presence, often due to accessible food sources.
Are Coyotes Truly Invasive
Despite their widespread presence and increasing interactions with human populations, coyotes are not classified as an invasive species. The primary reason for this distinction is that coyotes are native to North America. Their expansion across the continent is not a result of being introduced from another landmass by human activity.
Instead, their current broad distribution represents a natural range expansion from their historical western territories. This expansion is a response to environmental changes, often influenced by human actions like habitat alteration and the removal of apex predators. Coyotes are considered a responsive species, adapting to and filling available ecological niches. While their spread is notable, it does not fit the definition of an invasive species.