Coyotes are abundant across Oklahoma and have established a robust presence throughout the state. Their adaptability allows them to successfully colonize nearly every available habitat, from remote rural areas to centers of human development. This widespread distribution means encounters with this native canid are possible for nearly every resident.
Widespread Distribution Across Oklahoma
The coyote (Canis latrans) is found in every one of Oklahoma’s 77 counties, flourishing in diverse environments. These adaptable animals thrive in the state’s open prairie and grassland regions, but they are equally at home in timber corridors, wooded river bottoms, and the dense brush of the eastern part of the state. This omnivorous predator maintains strong populations despite human presence.
Coyotes have also become increasingly common in suburban and urban fringes, where they exploit greenbelts, parks, and fragmented habitats. This success is due to their flexible diet, which includes rodents, rabbits, insects, fruits, and carrion, allowing them to utilize readily available food sources. Their ability to adjust their behavior and diet has cemented their role as a generalist predator within the state’s ecosystem, a position they have maintained.
Identifying Oklahoma Coyotes
Identifying a coyote accurately is important, as they can sometimes be mistaken for domestic dogs or other wild canids. Coyotes generally resemble a small collie or German Shepherd, with a slender muzzle, pointed erect ears, and a long, bushy tail. A coyote typically carries its tail pointed down, unlike the horizontal carriage of a running wolf.
The fur is predominantly grayish-brown with a lighter, cream-colored belly, though coloration can vary widely, sometimes appearing reddish or nearly black. Adult coyotes in Oklahoma typically weigh between 20 and 50 pounds, a size range that is significantly smaller than a gray wolf. They are most active during the crepuscular hours of dawn and dusk, or at night, communicating through a distinct chorus of yips, howls, and short barks.
Maintaining Safety and Coexistence
Promoting coexistence involves removing common attractants from residential areas. Secure all household trash in heavy-duty containers with locking lids to prevent coyotes from accessing an easy meal. Pet food and water bowls should never be left outdoors.
Bird feeders should be cleaned regularly, as fallen seeds attract rodents, which in turn draw coyotes. Protecting pets requires consistent supervision, especially during peak activity times in the early morning and late evening. Small dogs should always be supervised when outside, and cats should be kept indoors to prevent them from becoming prey.
For yards, secure fencing that extends underground or is at least six feet tall can help deter entry. If a coyote approaches or lingers in a yard, hazing techniques can reinforce its natural wariness of humans.
Hazing involves being assertive by standing tall, waving your arms, and yelling loudly until the animal retreats. Using noisemakers, such as a whistle or a can filled with pennies, or throwing small objects like sticks or tennis balls near the coyote can also be effective. This makes the experience unpleasant for the coyote, teaching it to avoid people and residential areas.
Legal Status and Management
Coyotes are classified as furbearers in Oklahoma, but they are not afforded the same seasonal protections as other furbearing species. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) maintains an open hunting season for coyotes throughout the entire year. There are no bag, season, or possession limits, meaning they can be hunted or trapped at any time.
Landowners experiencing issues, particularly those related to livestock depredation, have several options for management. They can legally hunt coyotes on their own property without a license. The ODWC also issues specialized night-hunting and depredation permits to address persistent problems with coyotes preying on domestic animals.