The coyote, Canis latrans, is one of the most successful and widespread predators found in Washington State. This species has proven remarkably resilient and adaptable, thriving across the entire breadth of the state. Their expansion has been facilitated by their ability to utilize environments heavily modified by human development, allowing them to persist in landscapes ranging from remote wilderness to densely populated metropolitan areas.
Statewide Presence and Habitat
Coyotes occupy nearly every type of habitat available throughout Washington, from high alpine zones to coastal lowlands. The species successfully navigates the dramatic ecological divide between Western and Eastern Washington. Western Washington, with its damp, forested areas and growing urban centers like Seattle and Tacoma, supports robust coyote populations. They utilize wooded green spaces, parks, and riparian corridors within city limits for cover and movement. Conversely, Eastern Washington offers arid shrubsteppe, open plains, and agricultural lands where coyotes thrive. Their capacity to inhabit everything from desert terrain to downtown waterfronts makes them a constant feature of the state’s wildlife landscape.
Coyote Behavior and Diet
Washington’s coyotes are medium-sized canids, generally weighing between 20 and 35 pounds, and exhibit an opportunistic lifestyle. While they can be seen during the day, they are primarily crepuscular and nocturnal, conducting most foraging and movement at night. Their social structure is flexible, ranging from solitary individuals to small family units.
Their omnivorous nature allows them to consume whatever is most readily available. The natural diet consists mainly of small mammals, such as voles, rabbits, mice, and gophers, which helps regulate these rodent populations. They also readily consume insects, fruits, berries, and carrion. In urban areas, their diet adapts to include human-associated food sources. Scavenging from unsecured garbage, compost piles, and outdoor pet food bowls supplements their hunting. This resourcefulness ensures their survival, but it also increases the likelihood of human-wildlife conflict as they become habituated to human presence.
Promoting Safe Coexistence
Minimizing conflicts with coyotes requires residents to actively remove potential attractants and reinforce the animals’ natural fear of humans. Securing all outdoor food sources is the most effective preventative measure homeowners can take. This includes storing garbage in robust, locked containers and immediately cleaning up fallen fruit or pet food left outside.
Protecting domestic animals is paramount, which means keeping cats indoors, especially at night, and never allowing small dogs to roam unsupervised. When walking dogs, maintaining a secure leash is important, and picking up smaller pets if a coyote is sighted can prevent an encounter. Livestock owners should utilize secure fencing and consider deterrents like motion-activated lights or guard animals.
If a coyote approaches without fear, residents should engage in “hazing” to re-establish a healthy distance. Hazing involves acting aggressively by shouting loudly, waving arms, and throwing small objects toward the animal. This assertive behavior teaches the coyote to associate humans with an unpleasant experience. Residents should never turn their back or run from a coyote, as this can trigger a chase response.