Coyotes are common throughout New Hampshire’s diverse landscapes. They have become an established part of the wildlife, adapting to various environments from dense forests to suburban and urban fringes. Their widespread presence means encounters are possible statewide.
Coyote Presence and Range in New Hampshire
Coyotes are found across all New Hampshire counties, from rural areas to suburban neighborhoods and urban edges. They thrive in various habitats, including forests, open fields, marshy regions, and river valleys.
The first verified account of a coyote in New Hampshire occurred in Grafton County in 1944. From the mid-1900s, coyotes expanded their range from the Midwestern states, moving through Canada and into the Northeastern United States. By the 1970s and 1980s, they had spread throughout New Hampshire, establishing themselves statewide. While not historically native to the state in the same way as wolves, they are now an integral part of the local ecosystem.
Understanding Eastern Coyotes
New Hampshire’s coyotes are primarily Eastern Coyotes (Canis latrans var.). These canids are larger than their Western counterparts, a characteristic attributed to interbreeding with Eastern Canadian wolves (Canis lupus lycaon). Eastern coyotes typically weigh 30 to 50 pounds and measure 48 to 60 inches in length. Their fur varies from silvery gray to grizzled brownish-red, and they have long legs, a pointy snout, and a bushy, black-tipped tail that typically droops downward.
Eastern coyotes are opportunistic feeders. Their diet includes small mammals like mice, squirrels, and snowshoe hares, as well as deer, carrion, insects, and fruits.
They are social animals, often forming lifelong pair bonds. While they do not form organized packs like wolves, they often travel as pairs or in small family groups, sometimes with older offspring assisting. Coyotes use varied vocalizations, including howls, yips, and barks, to communicate and delineate territories.
Coexisting with Coyotes
Minimizing conflicts with coyotes involves managing attractants around residences. Secure food sources by keeping pet food indoors and trash in animal-proof containers. Remove fallen fruit from yards and clean up bird feeder areas to reduce attractants for coyotes and their prey. Protect pets: keep cats indoors, and leash and supervise dogs, especially at night. Fencing can offer protection, with a recommended height of at least 6 feet and the bottom extending two feet underground to prevent digging.
If a coyote is encountered, employ hazing techniques to reinforce their natural avoidance of humans. This involves appearing large, yelling, waving arms, and throwing objects like sticks or small rocks. Do not run or turn your back, as this can trigger a chase response. Hazing should continue until the coyote leaves.
Coyote attacks on humans are uncommon. Most incidents involve small children or situations where coyotes are accustomed to human presence, often due to intentional or unintentional feeding. If a coyote appears sick, injured, or displays aggressive behavior, such as approaching people for food or stalking children, contact local authorities or wildlife officials. These measures contribute to safer coexistence for people and wildlife.