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The coyote, a cunning and adaptable predator, has established a widespread presence across the United States, with populations varying significantly from state to state. Known for their remarkable ability to thrive in diverse habitats, coyotes can be found in urban areas, rural landscapes, and wilderness regions alike.
In states like Texas and California, where the terrain offers ample cover and resources, coyote populations soar into the hundreds of thousands. These states boast year-round populations, reflecting the species' ability to adapt to various environmental conditions and exploit human-modified landscapes. Similarly, Arizona, Kansas, and New Mexico maintain substantial coyote populations, with year-round hunting permitted in many regions.
However, the coyote's ubiquitous presence prompts discussions about human-wildlife interactions and management strategies. Concerns arise over conflicts with domestic animals, predation on livestock, and potential impacts on ecosystems. In response, states like Texas and Alabama permit year-round hunting to manage populations and mitigate potential conflicts, while others implement specific hunting seasons or regulations to balance conservation efforts with human interests.
Despite their controversial status as predators, coyotes play a vital role in ecosystems as mesopredators, regulating prey populations and contributing to overall biodiversity. Understanding the distribution and dynamics of coyote populations across states helps inform wildlife management decisions and fosters coexistence between humans and wildlife in diverse landscapes.
State | Estimated Minimum | Estimated Maximum | Sighting Frequency | Hunting Permitted | Hunting Season |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Texas | 859,510 | Common | Year-round. | ||
California | 250,000 | Common | Year-round. | ||
Arizona | 200,000 | Common | Year-round hunting; trapping allowed between Nov to Feb. | ||
Kansas | 150,000 | Common | Year-round. | ||
New Mexico | 125,000 | Common | Year-round. | ||
Arkansas | 106,360 | Common | Year-round on private lands; Jul to Feb on WMA lands. | ||
Pennsylvania | 100,000 | Common | Year-round. | ||
Georgia | 90,000 | Common | Year-round. | ||
Wyoming | 86,000 | Common | Year-round. | ||
Oregon | 83,695 | Common | Year-round. | ||
Colorado | 78,252 | Common | Year-round. | ||
Nebraska | 77,345 | Common | Year-round. | ||
South Dakota | 70,000 | Common | Year-round. | ||
Nevada | 55,000 | Common | Year-round. | ||
Alabama | 52,400 | Common | Year-round (daylight hours), Feb to Nov (night hunting). | ||
Louisiana | 52,370 | Common | Year-round, daylight hours only. | ||
Idaho | 52,000 | Common | Year-round. | ||
North Carolina | 51,905 | Common | Year-round. | ||
Virginia | 50,000 | Common | Year-round. | ||
Washington | 50,000 | Common | Year-round. | ||
Tennessee | 38,202 | Common | Year-round. | ||
Mississippi | 32,612 | Common | Year-round. | ||
Illinois | 30,000 | Common | Year-round except for firearm deer hunting season. | ||
Kentucky | 20,200 | Common | Year-round, daylight hours only. | ||
New York | 20,000 | Common | Year-round. | ||
Wisconsin | 17,000 | Common | Year-round. | ||
Maine | 15,000 | Common | Year-round (daylight hunting); Dec to Aug (night hunting) | ||
Minnesota | 14,490 | Common | Year-round. | ||
Florida | 13,000 | Common | Year-round, but only allowed for protection of livestock or property. | ||
Iowa | 12,000 | Common | Year-round. | ||
Massachusetts | 12,000 | Common | Year-round. | ||
West Virginia | 11,000 | Common | Year-round. | ||
New Hampshire | 4,500 | Common | Year-round. | ||
New Jersey | 4,000 | Common | Oct. to Mar. | ||
Rhode Island | 3,642 | Common | Year-round. | ||
Connecticut | 3,000 | Common | Year-round. | ||
Vermont | 1,000 | Common | Year-round. | ||
Oklahoma | 768 | Common | Year-round. | ||
Delaware | 50 | Common | Sept. to Feb. | ||
Hawaii | 0 | No sightings | None. Hawaii is the only state with no coyote population. | ||
Alaska | Population is uncounted, but small | Rare | Year-round except for Units 1-5, 18, and 22 where the hunting season runs from Sept to April. | ||
Indiana | Population is uncounted, but thriving | Common | Year-round. | ||
Maryland | Population is uncounted, but thriving | Common | Year-round. | ||
Michigan | Population is uncounted, but thriving | Common | Year-round. | ||
Missouri | Population is uncounted, but thriving | Common | Year-round. | ||
Montana | Population is uncounted, but thriving | Common | Year-round. | ||
North Dakota | Population is uncounted, but thriving | Common | Year-round. | ||
Ohio | Population is uncounted, but thriving | Common | Year-round. | ||
South Carolina | Population is uncounted, but thriving | Common | Year-round. | ||
Utah | Population is uncounted, but thriving | Common | Year-round. |