The animal often called a “coywolf” is more accurately known as the Eastern Coyote, a wild canid that has successfully colonized eastern North America. Its presence in suburban and rural landscapes prompts public concern about interactions with people and domestic animals. Assessing the risk requires examining its biology and behavior to achieve effective coexistence.
What Defines the Eastern Coyote
The Eastern Coyote, formally classified as Canis latrans var., is a hybrid canid species that has undergone a significant genetic transformation. Its genetic makeup includes DNA from Western Coyotes, Eastern or Gray Wolves, and sometimes domestic dogs. This hybridization occurred as Western Coyotes expanded eastward into former wolf territories.
The resulting animal is noticeably larger and heavier than the pure Western Coyote, with males typically weighing between 35 and 55 pounds. This increased size is attributed to wolf DNA, which also contributes to a larger jaw and stronger musculature. Physical characteristics include a bushy, black-tipped tail and a coat ranging from silvery-gray to reddish-brown. This allows it to successfully hunt larger prey like white-tailed deer. This highly adaptable canid thrives throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, from deep forests to suburban areas.
Documented Risk to Human Safety
The risk posed by Eastern Coyotes to human safety is statistically minimal, as documented attacks are extremely rare across North America. From 1977 through 2015, only 367 documented coyote attacks on humans were recorded in the United States and Canada, resulting in two fatalities. Compared to the millions of dog bites annually, the danger from a coyote is exceedingly low. The few recorded incidents often share specific, preventable circumstances.
The primary factor contributing to aggressive behavior is habituation, typically caused by intentional or unintentional feeding. When coyotes lose their natural wariness and associate humans with a reliable food source, they become more comfortable approaching residential areas. Attacks also occur rarely when an animal is rabid or defending a den or its young. Preventing habituation is the most effective measure for ensuring human safety.
Managing Interactions with Pets and Livestock
The majority of conflict involves predation on domestic animals, making pet and livestock management a primary concern. Small, free-roaming pets, such as cats and small dogs, are the most frequent targets as they are perceived as potential prey. Incidents involving larger dogs are less common but may occur during the breeding season when coyotes are territorial and view dogs as threats.
To minimize risk, pet owners should always supervise small dogs outdoors and keep cats indoors, especially between dusk and dawn when coyotes are most active. Avoid feeding pets outside entirely, as leftover food attracts coyotes and their prey.
Livestock owners can protect animals by using well-maintained, high-tensile electric fencing or by employing trained livestock guardian animals, such as Great Pyrenees or Anatolian Shepherds. Securing vulnerable livestock like sheep and goats in pens overnight, especially during birthing seasons, reduces the opportunity for predation.
Techniques for Conflict Reduction
Homeowners can actively reduce conflict by taking proactive steps to make their properties uninviting to Eastern Coyotes. Removing all potential food attractants is a necessary first step. This includes securing garbage in wildlife-proof containers, cleaning up fallen fruit, and eliminating bird feeders, as coyotes eat both the seed and the small animals attracted to them. Reducing dense brush or overgrown areas near the home also helps, as these locations provide cover for coyotes and their prey.
If a coyote appears comfortable in a residential area, “hazing” techniques should be employed immediately to re-establish a healthy fear of humans. Hazing involves using a variety of actions to scare the animal, such as yelling, waving arms, or using noisemakers like air horns. The goal is to create a negative experience by acting “loud and large” until the animal leaves the area. Maintain eye contact and use different methods to ensure the coyote associates the human with the uncomfortable experience, reinforcing its natural wariness.