Coyotes are well-established across Connecticut, inhabiting various environments from rural landscapes to suburban and urban areas. Understanding their behavior and history helps residents coexist safely with them.
Coyote Presence and History in Connecticut
Coyotes were not originally found in Connecticut but expanded their range eastward from the western plains and midwestern United States over the last century. First documented in the mid-1950s, they have since spread throughout all 169 towns, becoming an integral part of Connecticut’s ecosystem.
The state’s coyote population is estimated at 3,000 to 5,000 individuals. This expansion was aided by the removal of larger predators like wolves, which left an ecological niche. The eastern coyote is larger than its western counterpart, a characteristic attributed to interbreeding with Canadian gray wolves during their eastward migration.
Understanding Coyote Habits
Coyotes are adaptable omnivores with a diverse diet that depends on available food sources. They primarily consume small mammals like mice, woodchucks, squirrels, and rabbits, along with deer, fruits, and carrion. In human-populated areas, they also scavenge on garbage and pet food left outdoors.
Coyotes can be active at any time of day, but are often more active during dawn, dusk, and night, particularly in urban environments where human disturbance is lower. They utilize a variety of habitats, including wooded suburbs, parks, beaches, and office parks, demonstrating their ability to thrive near human activity.
Coyotes typically live as solitary individuals, in pairs, or in small family groups, often consisting of a breeding pair and their offspring. They are generally monogamous, with pair bonds often lasting for several years, and they actively defend their territories.
Coexisting Safely with Coyotes
Minimizing attractants around homes is an effective way to reduce conflicts with coyotes. Residents should secure all garbage in tough plastic containers with tight-fitting lids and avoid leaving pet food outdoors. Bird feeders can also attract coyotes by drawing small prey animals like rodents, so cleaning up fallen seed or removing feeders may be beneficial. Removing fallen fruit from trees also helps prevent attracting them.
Protecting pets is important. Cats should be kept indoors, and small dogs (under 25 pounds) should always be on a leash and under close supervision when outside. Fencing at least 6 feet high with extensions underground or rollers at the top can help deter coyotes from yards.
If a coyote approaches, hazing techniques can reinforce their natural fear of humans. This involves making loud noises such as yelling or using an air horn, waving arms to appear larger, or throwing small objects like sticks or pebbles. Continue hazing until the coyote completely leaves the area, and never run from them. For reporting concerns, contact your local animal control office or the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Wildlife Division at 860-424-3011. Abnormal or aggressive coyote behavior should be reported to local police or the DEEP Emergency Dispatch Office at 860-424-3333.