Yes, coyotes are widely established across South Carolina. This adaptable canid species is now a permanent fixture in the state’s ecosystem, despite being non-native to the Southeast region. The coyote’s successful expansion highlights its ability to thrive alongside human development and utilize diverse natural resources. The presence of this species affects wildlife management, domestic animal safety, and requires residents to understand their behavior.
Arrival and Establishment in South Carolina
Coyotes are not native to the eastern United States, with their historical range centered in the western plains and deserts of North America. The species expanded its range eastward following the removal of larger predators like wolves and the modification of landscapes through agricultural development. This natural migration path eventually brought them into the Southeast.
The first confirmed sightings of coyotes in South Carolina occurred in the state’s Upstate region around the late 1970s. This initial establishment was a mix of natural range expansion from the north and west, combined with illegal translocation by private individuals for purposes such as hound running. By the early 2000s, the coyote population had successfully spread and become fully established throughout the state.
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) confirms they did not import coyotes into the state for any reason. The species’ ability to survive and reproduce in a variety of environments, coupled with a lack of competition from larger carnivores, allowed them to rapidly colonize the entire state once they arrived.
Current Distribution and Habitat
Coyotes are now present in all 46 counties of South Carolina, demonstrating tolerance for various landscapes and human population densities. This widespread distribution is a result of their adaptability, allowing them to utilize habitats ranging from mountainous areas to coastal environments.
Their success is evident in the occupation of remote areas like dense forests, swamps, and agricultural communities. The most notable aspect of their distribution is the increasing presence in suburban and urban environments. Coyotes regularly utilize green spaces, parks, and residential neighborhoods in cities and towns across the state.
In coastal areas, coyotes have successfully navigated marshes and reached barrier islands, sometimes by swimming. There, they pose a threat to vulnerable species like sea turtle nests. This ability to thrive in close proximity to human activity is related to their opportunistic feeding habits and capacity to use human-modified landscapes for shelter and travel.
Coyote Behavior and Diet
Coyotes in South Carolina are generally crepuscular or nocturnal, meaning they are most active during the hours around dusk and dawn. Though they are often shy and typically avoid direct human confrontation, their visibility in residential areas has increased as they adapt to urban environments.
As opportunistic omnivores, their diet is varied and changes seasonally based on availability. In natural settings, their primary prey consists of small mammals, such as rabbits and rodents. They also consume insects, fruits, and berries. They readily consume carrion, which is a common food source in both rural and urban areas.
A significant portion of their diet includes white-tailed deer, specifically preying on vulnerable fawns during the spring and early summer. Fawn predation by coyotes can substantially affect local deer recruitment rates. In developed areas, their opportunistic nature leads them to prey on domestic pets, particularly cats and small dogs, and scavenge human-related food sources like accessible garbage and fallen fruit.
Strategies for Coexistence and Safety
Coexisting with coyotes requires residents to actively remove attractants and reinforce the animal’s natural fear of humans. Eliminating all sources of outdoor food is essential, which includes securing garbage cans with tight-fitting lids and never leaving pet food or water dishes outside. Removing potential den sites and hunting cover, such as overgrown brush piles and dense weeds, also makes a property less appealing to coyotes.
For pet safety, cats should be kept indoors, and small dogs should be supervised closely, especially during the night and at dawn or dusk. If a coyote is sighted nearby, a technique called “hazing” should be used to scare the animal away and prevent it from becoming comfortable around people.
Hazing involves actions designed to startle the animal:
- Yelling or making loud noises.
- Blowing a whistle or air horn.
- Shaking a can filled with rocks.
- Waving one’s arms and throwing objects toward the coyote (but not directly at it).
Consistent hazing is necessary to ensure coyotes maintain their distance and do not associate residential areas with easy food access.