Coyotes are a well-established part of Vermont’s ecosystem. These adaptable canids began moving into the region in the late 1940s and have since become naturalized across the entire state. The Vermont population is biologically distinct from the coyotes found in the Western United States. Their characteristics, distribution, and methods for human coexistence are influenced by the unique biology of this regional animal.
Confirmation and Unique Characteristics of the Eastern Coyote
The coyotes inhabiting Vermont are the larger Eastern Coyote (Canis latrans), a distinct hybrid population. This genetic difference arose as western coyotes migrated eastward and interbred with remnant populations of gray wolves and Eastern wolves in the Great Lakes region and Canada. Genetic studies indicate the Northeastern coyote population is a mix, often comprising about 62% Western Coyote, 13% Eastern Wolf, 14% Western Wolf, and 11% domestic dog DNA.
This hybridization accounts for the Eastern Coyote’s larger size. While Western Coyotes typically weigh 20 to 30 pounds, the Eastern Coyote averages 30 to 50 pounds, with some males reaching up to 55 pounds. This increased size, along with longer legs and more robust skulls, helps them survive the deep-snow winters of the Northeast. Their social structure often consists of a mated pair and their most recent pups, and they tend to mate for life.
Distribution and Preferred Habitat in Vermont
The Eastern Coyote is successfully established throughout Vermont, with the population estimated to fluctuate between 4,500 and 8,000 individuals. They are highly adaptable habitat generalists, thriving in dense forested areas, wetlands, agricultural fields, and increasingly, suburban and peri-urban landscapes.
Coyotes are present from the Champlain Valley to the higher elevations of the Green Mountains and the remote Northeast Kingdom. A typical coyote family group maintains a large home range averaging about 15 square miles, focusing activity within a core area of four to eight square miles. The highest densities of coyotes are often found in agricultural areas where high and varied prey populations are readily available.
Methods for Safe Coexistence and Conflict Prevention
Minimizing negative interactions largely depends on eliminating food sources that could attract coyotes into residential areas. Securing all outdoor garbage is paramount, using high-quality containers with tight-fitting, secured lids. Pet food should never be left outside unattended, and any fallen fruit or spilled bird seed around feeders should be consistently cleaned up.
Protecting domestic animals requires vigilance. Dogs should not be allowed outside unattended and must always be kept on a leash when walking. Fencing a yard requires specific measures:
- A minimum height of six feet, ideally with devices like a coyote roller on top.
- Extending the fence 12 inches underground.
- Using an L-shaped mesh apron to prevent digging underneath.
If a coyote approaches a person, hazing is recommended. This involves acting aggressively by shouting loudly, waving arms, or throwing small objects in the animal’s direction. It is crucial never to run or turn your back on a coyote, as this can trigger a chase response.