Coyotes

Coyotes in North Carolina Overview:

• Scientific name: Canis latrans

• Medium-sized canids that have expanded their range throughout North Carolina

• Highly adaptable animals found in rural, suburban, and urban environments

• Often mistaken for small wolves or large foxes

Habitat and Behavior:

• Thrive in diverse habitats including forests, fields, farmlands, and suburban areas

• Primarily active at dawn and dusk (crepuscular), but can be active any time

• Form family groups but often hunt alone or in pairs

• Excellent runners, reaching speeds up to 40 mph for short distances

Life Cycle:

• Breeding occurs once a year: January to March

• Gestation period: about 60-63 days

• Litter size: 3-12 pups, typically 5-7

• Young become independent at about 6-9 months old

Diet:

• Opportunistic omnivores: small mammals, birds, insects, fruits, carrion

• In urban areas, may scavenge human food waste

• Help control rodent populations in many areas

Unique Characteristics:

• Distinctive vocalization including howls, yips, and barks

• Keen sense of smell and excellent hearing

• Highly intelligent and adaptable to changing environments

• Can live 10-14 years in the wild

Human Interactions: Common Occurrences:

• Sightings in neighborhoods, especially at dawn or dusk

• Occasional predation on unsupervised small pets

• Vocalizations heard at night

Uncommon Occurrences:

• Approach to humans (generally shy and avoid people)

• Denning under decks or outbuildings

• Aggressive behavior (extremely rare unless rabid or cornered)

Resolution Methods: DIY Solutions:

• Remove attractants like pet food, unsecured garbage, or fallen fruit

• Keep small pets supervised when outdoors

• Use motion-activated lights or noise deterrents

• Hazing techniques: loud noises, spray with water hose

Professional Wildlife Control:

• Assessment of property for attractants

• Installation of appropriate fencing (at least 6 feet tall with buried extension)

• Humane trapping and relocation (where legal and appropriate)

Advanced Management: For areas with regular coyote activity, implement a comprehensive approach. Secure all potential food sources, including compost piles and bird feeders that attract rodents. Install coyote rollers on top of fences to prevent climbing. If you have livestock, consider guardian animals such as dogs or donkeys. Community education is crucial, as neighborhood cooperation helps reduce conflicts. Never feed coyotes, as this can lead to habituation and loss of fear of humans. If you encounter a coyote, make yourself appear large, make loud noises, and back away slowly—never run. Coyotes play an important ecological role by controlling rodent populations and maintaining ecosystem balance. In most cases, peaceful coexistence is possible with proper precautions. For persistent problems or concerning behavior, contact your local wildlife agency or a professional wildlife management service for guidance specific to your situation.