Coyotes have become a common part of New Jersey’s diverse wildlife. Their presence extends across the state, from dense forests to suburban neighborhoods and even urban fringe areas. Understanding their behaviors and how to safely coexist with them is valuable for residents.
Coyote Presence and Spread in New Jersey
Coyotes were historically found in the western United States, but their range expanded eastward over time. The first known record of a coyote in New Jersey dates back to 1939 in Hunterdon County. After sporadic reports for several decades, their population began to increase significantly starting in the 1980s.
Coyotes have successfully colonized all 21 counties of New Jersey, documented in nearly 400 municipalities, covering about 94% of the state’s land area. This widespread distribution highlights their remarkable adaptability.
Eastern coyotes are thought to have interbred with wolves and domestic dogs during their eastward migration, contributing to their larger size compared to their western counterparts. While elusive, their population in the state is now estimated to be in the thousands.
Identifying Coyotes
Coyotes are wild members of the dog family, often resembling a small German Shepherd. Adult Eastern coyotes in New Jersey typically weigh between 20 and 50 pounds, with some larger individuals reaching up to 55 pounds. Their fur coloration varies, commonly appearing as grayish-brown with reddish tinges, but can also include blonde, red, or black phases.
A distinguishing feature of a coyote is its bushy, black-tipped tail, which is usually held low or downward when standing, walking, or running, unlike many domestic dogs that carry their tails higher. They possess a long, narrow snout and prominent, erect ears.
Coyotes can be mistaken for foxes, but foxes are generally smaller, lighter, and have shorter legs, with a notably bushier tail often tipped in white. Their vocalizations, which include howls, yips, and barks, are also unique; a few coyotes can produce sounds that make them seem like a larger group due to their varied tones and pitches.
Living Safely with Coyotes
Coexisting with coyotes involves minimizing attractants and understanding appropriate responses during encounters. Never intentionally feed coyotes, as this can cause them to lose their natural wariness of humans and increase the likelihood of conflicts.
To prevent drawing coyotes to your property, secure all garbage in tightly sealed containers that cannot be tipped over. Avoid leaving pet food or water bowls outdoors, especially overnight. Supervising pets when they are outside, particularly at dawn and dusk when coyotes are most active, is also important. Keeping cats indoors provides the best protection against coyote encounters.
If you encounter a coyote, it is important to reinforce their natural fear of humans through “hazing” techniques. Make yourself appear as large as possible by waving your arms and yelling loudly. You can also make noise using air horns or by banging pots and pans together, or throw objects toward (not at) the coyote. Slowly back away while maintaining eye contact, and do not run, as running might trigger a chase response.
Continue hazing until the coyote completely leaves the area. If a coyote shows no fear of humans or acts aggressively, contact your local police department and the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife.