Debunking 10 Common Myths About Coyotes in North America

Coyotes Are Endangered

Coyotes are not endangered; their populations are expanding, especially in the eastern United States.

Coyotes Are Invasive to the U.S.

Coyotes are native to the western U.S. but considered invasive in the East due to the extinction of larger predators.

Coyotes Form Packs Like Wolves

While they can form packs, coyote packs are smaller than wolf packs, and they often hunt alone.

Hunting Coyotes Controls the Population

Hunting doesn't effectively control coyote populations due to their adaptability.

Coyotes Are Nocturnal

Urban coyotes are nocturnal to avoid humans, while wild coyotes are diurnal.

Coyotes Howl at the Moon

Coyotes do not howl at the moon. Their howls are a means of communication, often used to gather their pack or mark territorial boundaries.

Coyotes Are Carnivores

Coyotes are omnivores, eating both plants and animals. Their diet varies with the seasons, ranging from rodents and deer to fruits and vegetables.

Coyotes Live in Dens

Coyotes use dens primarily during mating and pup-rearing seasons. For the rest of the year, they sleep in areas with tall grass or heavy cover, not in dens.

Coyote Attacks Happen All the Time

Coyote attacks on humans are rare, averaging about eight conflicts per year in the U.S., with only two fatal attacks recorded between 1970 and 2015.

Coyotes Compete with Hunters

While coyotes do eat white-tailed deer, their impact on deer populations is complex. They may help stabilize deer populations by preying on the weak and diseased.