About coyotes


The coyote is a medium-sized member of the dog family that includes wolves and foxes. With its pointed ears, slender muzzle, and drooping bushy tail, the coyote often resembles a German shepherd or collie. Coyotes are usually a grayish brown with reddish tinges behind the ears and around the face but coloration can vary from a silver-gray to black (see pup photos below). The tail usually has a black tip. Eyes are yellow, rather than brown like many domestic dogs. Most adults weigh between 25-35 pounds, with a few larger individuals weighing up to 42 pounds.


Current Distribution:  Coyotes are native to North America and currently occur throughout most of the continent (see Figure 1 map). In addition to occurring in natural areas, coyotes are also found in a range of human-populated areas, including rural farms, suburbs and cities.

Historical Distribution:  Although coyotes have a current distribution that spans across most of North and Central America, their historical range prior to 1700 was restricted to the prairies and desert areas of Mexico and central North America (see Figure 2 map). Since the 1700's, coyotes have dramatically expanded their range across North America (see Figure 3 map) and now are found in an increasing number of cities in the United States and Canada. Coyotes were initially present at the founding of the Chicago site in the 18th century but disappeared during most of the 19th and 20th centuries. This recent expansion in distribution is unique as other large carnivore populations, such as wolves and bears, were extirpated from many portions of the United States, leading to the absence of large carnivores in most urban landscapes. The emergence of coyotes in urban systems can have important ecological implications, such as through their role as an apex carnivore and subsequent effects on prey.








Mating and Gestation:  In most years, coyotes typically mate in February. Only the alpha pair in a pack will mate and subordinates will usually help raise the young. Coyotes appear to be strongly monogamous and so far, we have only seen bonds between alpha pairs broken upon the death of one of the pair. Therefore, a number of pairs have maintained bonds for multiple years (see the story about coyote 1 and 115). In April, after a 62 to 65-day gestation period, the female will begin looking for existing dens or dig one herself.


The Litter:  Litter sizes often range from four to seven pups, though some litters can be bigger and some smaller. The largest litter we found held 11 pups in one den. Coyotes have the ability to adjust their litter sizes based on food abundance and population density. While it is difficult for us to get reliable estimates of litter sizes in urban areas, our best estimate suggests that litter sizes are larger than average, indicating an abundant food supply. Pups stay in the den for about six weeks and then begin traveling short distances with adults. By the end of summer, pups are spending some time away from parents and attempting to hunt on their own or with siblings.



By far the most frequent cause of death for urban coyotes has been collisions with vehicles (50 to 70% of deaths each year). Given the large areas traversed by coyotes and the number of roads regularly crossed during their activities, this is not surprising. Some of the roads crossed by coyotes in our study have average traffic volumes of more than 100,000 vehicles every 24 hours. Other causes of death have included shootings, malnutrition, and disease (see chart below and visit our page on disease). Few coyotes make it through their full potential life spans, unlike Big Mama who died of natural causes despite existing in a heavily urbanized area.


Coyotes typically have a highly organized social system, even in urban areas. This consists of packs, or groups, of coyotes that defend territories from other coyotes. In Cook County, we have identified coyotes that live in packs as well as coyotes that live and travel alone (solitary coyotes). Packs are usually composed of an alpha (or "lead") male and female pair, and a few other coyotes. Genetic analysis of coyotes has revealed that nearly all pack mates are close relatives, except the alpha male and female are not closely related to each other.



Solitary Coyotes:  In addition to resident packs, the urban population also consists of solitary coyotes that have left packs and are looking to join groups or create their own territories. Between one-third and one-half of the coyotes we study each year are solitary animals. These solitary coyotes can be either males or females and are usually young coyotes (six months to two years old), but can also be older individuals who have left packs.

If a coyote is seen running across a field, it is impossible to know if it is a solitary coyote or a member of a pack from that sighting. Solitary coyotes travel over large areas, up to 60 square miles covering many different municipalities. These animals must travel between, and through, resident coyote territories.

typical coyote image
typical profile of a coyote
demonstration of color variation in coyotes
Figure 1. map of current coyote distribution
Figure 2. Historical distribution of coyotes prior to 1700 map
Figure 3. Map progression of coyote range expansion throughout North America and Mexico
coyote den example 1
coyote den example 2
chart explaining typical causes of coyote death
roadkill coyote
736 getting outfitted
