Coyotes are present in Virginia, having successfully colonized the entire state over the past few decades. This highly adaptable member of the canid family (Canis latrans) has proven resilient in establishing itself. The coyote’s integration into the state’s environment marks the return of a major predator to the eastern ecosystem. Understanding their distribution and behavior is the first step toward effective coexistence for Virginia residents.
Presence and Geographic Spread
Coyotes are found in all 95 counties and every city across Virginia, a complete distribution confirmed by the Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR). They inhabit varied habitats, from the Appalachian Mountains in the west to the coastal plains and barrier islands in the east. Coyotes thrive in diverse environments, including dense forests, open rural farmlands, and suburban developments.
They are also increasingly common in urban and suburban green spaces, such as large parks, wooded stream valleys, and golf courses. Their preferred habitat includes open woodlands, forest edges, and areas with dense cover for shelter and foraging. While primarily nocturnal, they use natural corridors like ravines and railway lines to navigate between human settlements.
Historical Arrival and Expansion
The coyote is not a species native to the eastern United States, historically confined to the western plains and deserts of North America. Their expansion into Virginia is the result of a range shift, with the first documented sightings in the western mountains occurring in the late 1970s and early 1980s. This eastward migration was facilitated by the widespread clearing of forests and the elimination of their larger competitors, the gray and red wolves.
Two distinct populations migrated toward the Mid-Atlantic: one moving south from New England and the Great Lakes, and another moving east through the southern states. These fronts converged in Virginia, creating a genetically diverse population that rapidly filled the ecological niche left vacant by the extirpated wolves. Coyotes became firmly established state-wide during the mid-to-late 20th century.
Diet and Adaptability
The coyote’s success is due to its opportunistic and omnivorous diet, consuming a wide variety of food sources based on availability. Their diet primarily consists of small mammals like voles, mice, and rabbits, which they actively hunt.
They also consume insects, fruits, berries, and carrion, such as deer. In suburban areas, their adaptability allows them to scavenge human-associated foods like unsecured trash, pet food left outdoors, and fallen fruit. This dietary flexibility allows them to thrive in almost any environment across the state.
Coexistence and Safety Measures
Successful coexistence relies heavily on residents taking preventative measures to limit attractants and maintain the coyotes’ natural wariness of people. The most effective strategy involves removing all potential food sources from residential areas. Pet food should always be fed indoors, or if fed outside, any leftovers must be immediately removed.
Securing Food Sources
Trash must be secured in animal-proof containers, preferably metal cans with latching lids, and should only be placed outside on the morning of collection. Other attractants should be routinely cleaned up to discourage both coyotes and the rodents they prey upon.
- Bird seed spilled on the ground.
- Fallen fruit from trees.
Additionally, dense or brushy vegetation close to a home should be cleared to reduce cover for coyotes and their prey.
Protecting Pets
Protecting domestic animals requires supervision, as small pets like cats and small dogs can be viewed as potential prey. Cats should be kept indoors, and dogs should be kept on a leash, especially during dawn and dusk when coyote activity is highest. Larger dogs may be viewed as a territorial threat, particularly during the mating and pup-rearing seasons (January to June).
Hazing Techniques
If a coyote appears comfortable or approaches people, “hazing” should be employed to re-establish their fear of humans. Hazing involves being loud and assertive:
- Yelling and waving arms.
- Using an air horn.
- Throwing small, non-edible objects in their direction.
This action teaches the animal that human spaces are unwelcome territory, preventing habituation and potential conflict. If a coyote displays signs of aggression or illness (such as stumbling or lack of coordination), contact the Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline or local animal control immediately.