Coyotes, adaptable canids known for their intelligence and resilience, have successfully established populations across Virginia. Understanding their presence and habits can help residents coexist with these animals.
Coyote Presence and History in Virginia
Coyotes were not originally native to Virginia, with their historical range centered in western North America. Their expansion eastward began as early as the 1900s, facilitated by the reduction of other large predators like wolves and adaptation to human-altered landscapes. Two primary migratory routes contributed to their presence in Virginia: a northern path through Canada and New England, where some interbred with gray wolves, and a southern route through the southeastern states, involving interbreeding with red wolves. These two populations eventually converged in Virginia around the 1950s.
The first confirmed observations in Virginia occurred in the western regions in the early 1950s. By the late 1970s, coyotes were established in the western mountains, and by the 1990s, their population had spread across the entire Commonwealth, reaching every county from the mountains to the Atlantic Ocean. They are now abundant throughout Virginia, including rural, suburban, and urban areas like downtown Richmond.
Identifying Coyotes in Virginia
Coyotes in Virginia typically resemble a medium-sized dog, similar to an adult collie or a small German Shepherd. Adult females generally weigh between 18 and 35 pounds, while males are usually larger, ranging from 25 to 45 pounds. Their fur color varies widely, often appearing as a mix of light tan, gray, brown, and black, giving them a salt-and-pepper look.
Distinguishing features include a noticeably pointed muzzle, erect pointed ears, and a bushy tail typically carried downwards, often with a black tip. This downward tail carriage helps differentiate them from domestic dogs, which often carry their tails upward or outward. Coyotes are larger than red foxes but smaller than gray wolves.
Living with Coyotes
Coexisting with coyotes in Virginia involves minimizing attractants and encouraging their natural wariness of humans. One important step is to eliminate readily available food sources around homes. This includes securing garbage in animal-proof containers, avoiding feeding pets outdoors, or promptly removing any uneaten food. Picking up fallen fruit and cleaning up spilled birdseed can also reduce attractants for coyotes and their prey.
Protecting pets is another important aspect of coexistence. Small dogs and cats are particularly vulnerable and should not be left unattended outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk when coyotes are most active. Walking dogs on a short leash, preferably 6 feet or less, provides better control. Coyote-proof fencing, at least 6 to 8 feet high with an outward slant or buried section to prevent climbing and digging, can also help secure yards.
If a coyote approaches, reinforce their natural fear of humans through “hazing” techniques. This involves making loud noises by yelling, blowing whistles, or using air horns, and waving your arms or throwing inedible objects. Never run from a coyote; instead, back away slowly while continuing to deter them. Removing dense brush or overgrown areas near residences can reduce suitable cover for coyotes and their prey.
Coyote Ecology in Virginia
Coyotes are omnivores. Their primary diet includes small mammals such as rabbits, rodents, squirrels, and groundhogs. They also consume birds, insects, fruits, vegetables, and carrion.
Coyotes can thrive in a wide range of habitats across Virginia, including forests, grasslands, open woodlands, and disturbed areas near human development. They often prefer areas with a mix of forest and open spaces, such as forest edges, meadows, and riparian corridors. Dens are typically established in brush-covered slopes, thickets, hollow logs, or enlarged burrows, and can be used for more than one year.
While often considered nocturnal, coyotes are more accurately described as crepuscular, meaning they are most active during early morning and at or just after dusk. However, they can be active during daylight hours, particularly in spring and early summer when foraging for food to feed their pups. Coyotes live in territorial family units consisting of a mated pair, current year’s pups, and sometimes offspring from a previous litter. They use a variety of vocalizations, including howls, barks, and yips, for communication within their social structure.