Coyote are the most widespread wild member of the dog family, Canidae. The removal of the wolf lead to an increase in coyote numbers, but the clearing of forests in Virginia has increased the population here. They have expanded into urban areas of eastern Virginia in search of food and shelter.
Coyote are native to the Nearctic ecozone, which covers most of North America from Central America to Canada, but their natural habitat is open grassland. Their density has spread from the western United States to all areas. The North American Coyote (Canis latrans) belongs to the genus Canis, family Canidae, and order Carnivora. They are most commonly confused with wolves and the genus Canis also includes dogs and foxes. Coyote are usually slimmer and smaller than wolves.
Where in Virginia are Coyote Found?
In recent times, coyote were noticed in western Virginia in the early 1950s, moving into the ecological niche previously occupied by wolves, which were extirpated from Virginia earlier in the twentieth century. Today, coyote can be found throughout Virginia. They prefer semi-forested or open land. In Eastern Virginia, coyotes have been observed on farm and pasture land in more rural areas, such as the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula. Coyote have been seen in parks and residential areas in urban sections of Hampton Roads.
Coyote avoid people, and on the Virginia Peninsula, they have found the Colonial National Historic Park to be a welcoming refuge. They are most active at dawn and dusk in the open meadows along the Colonial Parkway and in locations like New Quarter Park, a 545-acre park between Williamsburg and Yorktown, Virginia.
Are Coyote Dangerous?
Coyote are carnivores and they are territorial. They prefer small mammals like mice and rabbits, but will eat raccoons, opossums, birds, snakes, beaver, turkey, deer, and even carrion (dead animals).
Domestic cats are also a food source for coyote. Coyote will attack dogs that enter their territory and threaten their access to food. Keep pets indoors, on a leash when walking, or in an enclosed pen if left outside.
According to the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF), there are few recorded instances of coyote attacking humans. In most cases, they act aggressively toward humans with a dog and when the coyote are protecting their young. The instances when coyote did attack humans occurred in residential areas with abundant coyote populations and limited food. Attacks on humans have occurred due to hunger or to exclude small animals, including children, from coyote den territory.
How Can Coyote be Avoided?
In portions of eastern Virginia where coyotes have been sighted, residents should remove pet food from outdoor areas accessible to coyote, such as porches or backyards. Feed pets only enough food as will be completely consumed at feeding time. Secure garbage can lids and compost bins to prevent scavenging.
Do not approach a coyote. If a coyote feels cornered or restricted, the animal may become aggressive.
Are There Benefits to the Presence of Coyote in Virginia?
Coyote help keep other species in check. For example deer and red fox have no other predator, so their high population numbers are managed by coyote.
The Northern Bobwhite, once known as the King of Game Birds in Virginia, is benefiting from the coyote's preference for species that are foraging for eggs in the ground-birds’ nests.
Living with Coyote in Eastern Virginia
Since coyote are a nuisance species, they may be killed at any time, except with a gun, firearm, or any other weapon on Sunday, according to VDGIF. Hunters and game managers have discovered, though, that hunting to reduce numbers only redistributes the coyote to other areas.
Ultimately, the overall diversity of predators and prey will dictate the number of coyote in an area. As with all wildlife populations, the coyote population will continue to increase until they are limited by the availability of food or space.
The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries has produced a flyer, Living with the Coyote in Virginia, with more information.
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