Coyotes are a widespread and highly successful species found throughout Louisiana. Despite their current prevalence, the coyote, Canis latrans, is not native to the state. These adaptable canids began expanding their territory eastward from the Great Plains, arriving in Louisiana around the 1940s and 1950s. Their successful colonization now makes them a common presence across the landscape.
Range and Habitat Across the State
Coyotes now inhabit all 64 parishes in Louisiana, demonstrating an exceptional ability to thrive in diverse environments. They are found in the northern and central portions of the state, but their range extends to the coastal marshlands and even highly populated areas. These animals have successfully adapted to wooded areas, idle farmlands, and the dense cover of swamps and thickets.
Their movement into the state was facilitated by the decline of the native red wolf population and the clearing of forested acreage for agriculture and timber harvesting. This created an ecological void and new habitats that the opportunistic coyote quickly exploited. They are frequently seen in the suburbs of major metropolitan areas, such as Baton Rouge and New Orleans, utilizing parks, golf courses, and greenbelts. The availability of shelter and food sources in these urban environments allows them to establish small territories.
Identifying Coyotes
A typical Louisiana coyote resembles a small collie, but with a more slender build and a pointed muzzle. Adults usually weigh between 25 and 45 pounds, though Eastern coyotes can sometimes be larger due to historical interbreeding with wolves or domestic dogs. Their coat is generally a brownish-gray with a light gray or cream-colored belly, and they often have dark guard hairs across their back.
One distinguishing feature is the bushy tail, which is typically carried low, nearly dragging the ground, unlike a domestic dog’s tail, which is often held higher. Auditory identification is also possible, as coyotes use a variety of vocalizations, including howls, yips, barks, squeals, and wails. These complex calls are often heard at dawn or dusk, and a single coyote can sound like a much larger pack due to the way they vocalize.
Coexisting Safely
Since coyotes are permanent residents, minimizing conflicts is the best approach to safe coexistence. The primary goal is to prevent coyotes from becoming comfortable near human homes by removing potential attractants. This means securing all outdoor food sources, including pet food, bird seed, and accessible garbage, by storing trash in tightly secured containers until collection day.
Protecting pets requires vigilance, especially for small dogs and cats, which coyotes may view as potential prey or competitors. Small pets should never be left unattended in the yard, particularly at dawn, dusk, or overnight. Walking dogs on a short leash keeps them close and less vulnerable to an encounter, and cats should be kept indoors at all times.
If a coyote approaches, actively “hazing” the animal is necessary to reinforce its natural wariness of humans. Hazing involves making yourself appear large, waving your arms, and making loud, assertive noises like shouting or using an air horn. You can also throw small objects near the coyote, but not at it, until it retreats completely out of sight.
Securing the yard can further deter these animals from establishing a presence around your home. Fences should be at least six feet high, and the bottom edge should be buried or equipped with a wire apron to prevent digging underneath. Additionally, trimming back dense brush and closing off crawl spaces under porches or sheds removes sheltered areas where a coyote might establish a temporary den site.