Coyotes generally do not live underground. These adaptable canids primarily inhabit above-ground spaces, reserving subterranean shelters for specific, temporary purposes.
Where Coyotes Truly Live
Coyotes are adaptable canids, thriving across North and Central America. They can be found in diverse landscapes, including prairies, deserts, forests, and urban settings.
For daily life, coyotes prefer to rest and sleep above ground. They seek cover in natural elements such as dense brush, tall grasses, wooded patches, or thick shrubbery. These locations provide concealment and protection. In urban areas, coyotes may utilize habitat fragments like parks and golf courses for shelter, often avoiding residential or commercial zones.
Understanding Coyote Dens
Coyote dens serve a very specific, temporary purpose, primarily for raising their young. A female coyote will select or create a den site to give birth to and nurse her pups, typically between April and July. During this whelping and rearing period, the den provides a secure, secluded space for the vulnerable newborns. Both parents contribute to caring for the pups until they are old enough to venture out.
Coyotes often do not excavate extensive burrows themselves for daily living. Instead, they commonly modify or enlarge existing burrows dug by other animals, such as badgers, groundhogs, or foxes. They may also utilize natural cavities like hollowed-out tree stumps, rock outcrops, or even human-made structures such as culverts or abandoned buildings. These dens are temporary nurseries, typically used for about six to twelve weeks until the pups are mobile and can travel with the family group. After this period, the family abandons the den, and coyotes return to sleeping in open or covered areas above ground.
Why the Misconception Persists
The widespread belief that coyotes live underground likely stems from several observations and common misunderstandings. People might witness coyotes entering or exiting burrows, leading to the assumption that these are permanent homes. However, as described, these underground spaces are typically dens used solely for raising pups or for temporary refuge during severe weather or perceived threats.
Confusion with other burrowing animals also contributes to this misconception. Animals like badgers, groundhogs, prairie dogs, and foxes are well-known for digging and extensively using underground tunnel systems. Coyotes are known to take over and modify these existing burrows, making it appear as though they are primary burrowers. Furthermore, the intelligent and adaptable nature of coyotes means they will utilize any available cover, including temporary underground spaces, when it suits their immediate needs, reinforcing the idea of them being constant subterranean residents.