The Eastern coyote, Canis latrans var., is a wild canid found across New York State. This adaptable animal has established itself in various environments, from dense forests to suburban neighborhoods. Understanding their presence and behavior is part of living in New York’s diverse landscape.
Coyote Distribution and Population in New York
Coyotes are established throughout nearly all New York State counties, except parts of Long Island and New York City. Their estimated statewide population ranges between 20,000 and 30,000 individuals. Approximately 14,500 breeding pairs reside in New York during summer months.
They occupy diverse habitats, including rural farmlands, forests, and increasingly, suburban and urban environments. While density varies, with higher concentrations in areas like the Adirondacks, they adapt to human-dominated landscapes. A population estimated at 20 to 30 individuals lives within New York City parks, including Central Park. Breeding activity in Bronx parks indicates continued expansion into densely populated areas.
Understanding Coyote Population Growth
Coyotes’ presence in New York is a recent development, expanding eastward after wolves were extirpated from the eastern United States and southern Canada. They first appeared in New York in the 1920s and 1930s, becoming established statewide by the 1970s. Genetic studies show Eastern coyotes are hybrids, possessing DNA from western coyotes, wolves, and domestic dogs, contributing to their larger size and adaptability.
Coyotes are opportunistic omnivores, with a flexible diet depending on what is available. Their diet includes small mammals, white-tailed deer (fawns or carrion), insects, and various plant materials. This flexibility, along with their ability to utilize human-associated food sources like garbage and pet food, aids survival in diverse habitats. Coyotes typically breed in February, with litters of five to six pups born in April or May. Young coyotes often disperse considerable distances, sometimes over 100 miles, to find vacant territories, facilitating continued range expansion.
Coexisting with Coyotes in New York
Living alongside coyotes in New York requires understanding their behavior and taking steps to minimize potential conflicts. Maintaining a coyote’s natural fear of humans is important for safe coexistence. Never intentionally feed coyotes, as this can lead to them associating humans with food and losing their natural wariness.
Securing food sources around homes is important; this includes feeding pets indoors, keeping garbage in sealed containers, and enclosing compost piles. Supervising outdoor pets, especially small dogs and cats, is also important, particularly during dawn, dusk, and nighttime hours when coyotes are most active. If a coyote is encountered, be assertive by standing tall, making loud noises, waving arms, or throwing small objects to encourage it to leave. Installing secure fencing that extends below ground and removing dense brush around properties can also help deter coyotes from residential areas.