Coyotes are present and well-established throughout Massachusetts, inhabiting nearly every city and town on the mainland. They are highly adaptable animals, thriving in urban, suburban, and rural landscapes.
Coyote Presence in Massachusetts
Coyotes migrated eastward, establishing their presence in Massachusetts by the 1950s. This expansion was facilitated by the reduction of wolf populations, creating an open ecological niche. Today, the eastern coyote population is stable across mainland Massachusetts, with approximately 12,000 individuals estimated to reside in the state.
Coyotes’ adaptability has allowed them to colonize diverse habitats. They can be found in forests, fields, marshes, and even densely populated suburban and urban areas. Increased sightings do not necessarily indicate a growing population, but rather reflect their established presence and territorial behaviors.
Characteristics and Habits of Massachusetts Coyotes
Eastern coyotes resemble a medium-sized dog, measuring between 4 to 5 feet in length, including their bushy, black-tipped tail. Females weigh 33 to 40 pounds, while males range from 34 to 47 pounds, with some individuals reaching around 60 pounds. Their fur color varies, appearing as grizzled gray, creamy blonde, reddish, or nearly black.
Coyotes are opportunistic omnivores, eating whatever food is readily available. Their natural foods include small rodents, rabbits, deer, birds, insects, fruits, and berries. They also scavenge on carrion and consume human-associated food sources like garbage, compost, and pet food left outdoors. Coyotes are active year-round and communicate through vocalizations, including howls, yips, and barks, used to define territory or locate family members.
Living Safely Alongside Coyotes
Coexisting with coyotes involves minimizing conflicts by removing attractants and understanding their behavior. Securing all outdoor food sources is a primary step. This includes keeping trash in secure containers, avoiding feeding pets outdoors, and removing bird feeders and fallen fruit from yards. Such measures prevent coyotes from associating human areas with easy meals, which can lead to bold behavior.
Protecting pets requires consistent supervision and appropriate containment. Small dogs and cats should always be kept indoors or on a leash under direct supervision when outside, during dawn, dusk, and nighttime hours when coyotes are most active. Fencing at least 6 feet high with a buried bottom section (1 foot underground) can deter coyotes from entering yards.
Hazing reinforces a coyote’s natural fear of humans and discourages them from lingering in residential areas. If a coyote approaches, make yourself appear larger by waving arms, yelling loudly, or using noisemakers like whistles or air horns. Throwing small objects like pebbles or tennis balls can also be effective, with the intent to scare rather than injure the animal. Continue hazing until the coyote leaves the area, as stopping too soon can teach them that human actions are not a threat.