Coyotes are present across New York State, inhabiting diverse environments from forests to urban centers. Their presence reflects a significant range expansion. Understanding their habits and safe interaction is relevant for residents.
Coyote Presence Across New York
Eastern coyotes are established throughout New York State, including suburban and urban areas, and have been sighted in New York City and Long Island. Their range expansion into the Northeast began in the early 1900s, with coyotes first appearing in New York around the 1920s and becoming widely established by the 1970s. They filled available ecological niches.
Coyotes inhabit nearly every New York county, with an estimated population of 20,000 to 30,000 animals statewide. Human development creates suitable habitat due to abundant food sources in populated areas. While Long Island lacks a breeding population, dispersing individuals suggest future colonization.
Understanding Coyote Behavior
Coyotes are opportunistic omnivores. They primarily consume small mammals like rodents, rabbits, and deer, but also eat birds, insects, plants, and berries. In urban settings, their diet can include human-sourced foods such as pet food, garbage, and compost. Coyotes are not strictly nocturnal; they can be observed during the day, though more active after sunset and at night.
Coyotes live as solitary individuals, in pairs, or small family groups, and are monogamous. They are territorial, defending a home range from 2 to 15 square miles against other coyotes. During early spring, females use dens to raise pups, and males may travel greater distances to hunt.
Coexisting with Coyotes
Minimizing conflicts involves removing potential attractants and maintaining coyotes’ natural wariness of humans. Never intentionally feed coyotes, as this causes them to lose their fear. Secure all outdoor food sources, including feeding pets indoors and keeping garbage and compost in animal-proof containers. Limiting bird feeder availability is beneficial, as they attract rodents and birds.
Protecting pets requires consistent supervision, especially for small dogs and cats at dawn, dusk, and overnight. Cats indoors, dogs always leashed. Fencing can deter coyotes if it is at least four feet tall and extends six inches below ground to prevent digging. Removing brush and tall grass around properties also reduces potential hiding spots.
If an encounter occurs, reinforce the coyote’s natural fear of humans through “hazing” techniques. Standing tall, waving arms, and making loud noises can deter a coyote. If the coyote lingers, throwing sticks or stones towards, but not at, the animal is effective. Never run from a coyote, as this can trigger a chase response.