Coyotes are widespread across the United States, adapting to various environments from deserts to urban areas.
This post explores the coyote populations in each of the 50 states, starting from the least populous and working up to where these cunning creatures are most abundant.
Understanding the distribution of coyotes can offer insights into ecosystem health and human-wildlife interactions.
Can you already guess which US state is home to over 800,000 coyotes? Keep reading to find out!
50. Hawaii
Hawaii stands out with a complete absence of coyotes. This island paradise, surrounded by the vast Pacific Ocean, provides no natural route for coyotes to migrate.
The state’s unique ecosystem is free from these cunning predators, allowing native species to thrive without competition.
However, the absence of coyotes has also led to an imbalance in some prey populations. Hawaii’s isolation protects it from many continental species, preserving its distinct flora and fauna.
49. Delaware
Delaware, known as the First State, has the smallest coyote population in the United States, with only about 50 coyotes roaming its borders. These elusive animals are rarely seen, often residing in the tiny woodlands scattered throughout the state.
Coyotes here are newcomers, having migrated from neighboring states. Their presence is minimal, with sightings reported only occasionally.
While their numbers are small, their adaptability signals a potential for future population growth. Delaware’s environment provides limited resources, keeping the coyote count low. Residents are still getting accustomed to sharing their spaces with these animals, learning to coexist peacefully.
48. Oklahoma
Oklahoma has a healthy coyote population, with approximately 768 thriving across the state’s rural and suburban areas. They are skilled hunters, preying on small mammals and occasionally scavenging.
Coyotes contribute to controlling rodent populations, playing a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. Despite their growth, they usually avoid human interaction.
Residents are encouraged to understand coyote behavior and take necessary precautions, such as securing food sources and supervising pets, to promote peaceful coexistence.
47. Vermont
Vermont’s coyote population is relatively small, with around 1,000 living in the state’s forested areas.They are well-suited to the rural landscape, often preying on small mammals and scavenging when necessary.
Coyotes in Vermont are known for their adaptability and resilience, traits that help them survive harsh winters. Sightings are occasional, as they tend to avoid populated areas.
Efforts to educate the public about living alongside coyotes include advice on securing livestock and understanding coyote behavior.
46. Alaska
Alaska, famous for its expansive wilderness, is home to a sizable coyote population estimated at 2,000 to 4,000. These resilient animals thrive in the state’s rural and suburban areas, preying on small mammals and occasionally scavenging.
Coyotes help control rodent populations, contributing to ecological balance. Despite their numbers, they remain elusive and tend to avoid human contact.
Residents are encouraged to understand coyote behavior and take necessary precautions, such as securing trash and supervising pets, to promote peaceful coexistence.
45. Connecticut
Connecticut is home to a small yet stable coyote population of approximately 3,000. These adaptable animals have integrated into both rural and suburban landscapes.
They are most active during dawn and dusk, often seen in wooded areas. Their numbers are limited, but they are resourceful hunters, feeding on rodents and small mammals.
Coyotes in Connecticut exhibit cautious behavior, frequently avoiding human contact. Residents are encouraged to secure livestock and pets, as these can sometimes attract curious coyotes seeking an easy meal.
44. Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, coyotes are relatively uncommon, with an estimated 3,642 roaming the area. These creatures primarily occupy the suburban and rural regions, avoiding densely populated urban areas.
The state’s small size limits habitat availability, keeping coyote numbers low. Coyotes here often rely on small mammals and insects for food.
Despite being infrequent visitors, their adaptability ensures they can survive in diverse environments. Encounters with humans are uncommon, but residents are advised to secure trash and avoid feeding pets outside to prevent unwanted interactions.
43. New Jersey
New Jersey’s coyote population is fairly modest, with about 4,000 living in both rural and suburban areas.
They are adept at navigating the densely populated state, often found near parks and forested regions. Their diet includes small mammals and carrion.
Despite their adaptability, coyote numbers remain controlled due to hunting and urban sprawl. People living in New Jersey are advised to keep an eye on pets when coyotes are nearby, as these opportunistic predators may venture closer to human dwellings in search of food.
42. New Hampshire
New Hampshire has a stable coyote population of around 4,500, primarily residing in the state’s dense forests and rural areas. They are primarily nocturnal hunters, preying on rodents and small mammals.
The state’s varied terrain provides ideal habitats for coyotes, though their interactions with humans are limited. People are encouraged to coexist peacefully by securing trash and keeping pets indoors.
Wildlife authorities monitor their numbers to ensure balance within the ecosystem, promoting responsible coexistence between humans and wildlife.
41. Maryland
Maryland’s coyote population is estimated to be between 5,000 and 10,000, with these adaptable animals thriving across the state’s diverse landscapes.
From forested areas to suburban neighborhoods, coyotes have successfully integrated into Maryland’s ecosystem. While they are often elusive and rarely seen, their presence is felt, particularly in rural regions where their howls echo at night.
Despite their growing numbers, coyotes in Maryland pose minimal risk to humans when proper precautions are taken.
40. West Virginia
In West Virginia, coyotes are becoming more established, with an estimated population of around 11,000, primarily in rural and mountainous areas. These areas provide ample cover and food sources for the resourceful predators.
Coyote numbers are slowly increasing as they adapt to the rugged terrain. They primarily feed on small mammals and occasionally livestock, making them a concern for farmers.
Efforts to manage their population include educating residents about coexistence strategies, such as securing livestock and deterring coyotes from residential areas.
39. North Dakota
North Dakota is home to a flourishing coyote population, estimated at 10,000 to 15,000, with these resourceful creatures thriving in the state’s rural and suburban landscapes.
They are skilled hunters, preying on small mammals and occasionally scavenging. Coyotes contribute to controlling rodent populations, playing a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance.
Despite their prevalence, they remain elusive and avoid human interaction. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions, such as securing trash and supervising pets, to promote peaceful coexistence with these intelligent creatures.
38. Utah
Utah’s coyote population is thriving, with an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 living in the state’s rural and suburban areas. They are adept hunters, preying on small mammals and occasionally scavenging.
Coyotes contribute to controlling rodent populations, playing a crucial role in ecological balance. Despite their growth, they generally avoid human contact.
Residents are encouraged to understand coyote behavior and take necessary precautions, such as securing trash and supervising pets, to promote peaceful coexistence.
37. Massachusetts
Massachusetts has a modest coyote population of around 12,000, thriving across the state’s diverse ecosystems.
They are particularly common in rural and suburban areas, where they hunt small mammals and forage for food. The state’s varying landscapes offer suitable habitats, from coastal regions to dense forests.
Despite being adaptable, their population growth is monitored by wildlife authorities. Massachusetts residents are encouraged to take precautions, such as securing trash and keeping pets indoors during peak coyote activity hours.
36. Iowa
Iowa boasts a robust coyote population of approximately 12,000, thriving in the state’s agricultural landscapes and suburban regions.
They are skilled hunters, often preying on small mammals and occasionally scavenging. Coyotes contribute to controlling rodent populations, playing an essential role in the ecosystem.
Despite their growing numbers, they remain elusive and tend to avoid human contact. Iowans are encouraged to practice coexistence by securing food sources and supervising pets to prevent unwanted encounters with these intelligent creatures.
35. Florida
Florida’s coyote population is on the rise, with around 13,000 adapting to the state’s diverse environments.
They are found in rural and suburban areas, often hunting small mammals. Coyotes contribute to controlling rodent populations and help maintain a balanced ecosystem.
Despite their growth, they are generally elusive and avoid human contact. Floridians are encouraged to coexist peacefully, understanding coyote behavior, and taking precautions such as securing trash and keeping pets indoors during peak activity times.
34. Minnesota
Minnesota’s coyote population is thriving, with approximately 14,490 calling the state’s forested and suburban areas home.
They are effective hunters, preying on small mammals and occasionally scavenging. Coyotes contribute to controlling rodent populations, playing a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance.
Despite their growing numbers, they remain elusive and avoid human contact. Residents are advised to take precautions, such as securing trash and keeping pets safe, to ensure peaceful coexistence with these intelligent animals.
33. Maine
Maine is home to an estimated coyote population of around 15,000, thriving in the state’s vast forests and rugged landscapes.
These adaptable predators have integrated into Maine’s ecosystem, playing a key role in controlling smaller wildlife populations.
While coyotes are often elusive, their presence is more noticeable in rural areas, where their howls can occasionally be heard at night. Despite their growing numbers, they pose minimal risk to humans and are an important part of the state’s natural balance.
32. Ohio
Ohio’s coyote population has been steadily increasing, with an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 adapting to the state’s diverse environments.
From agricultural fields to suburban backyards, coyotes are increasingly common. They are highly adaptable hunters, preying on small mammals and occasionally scavenging. Their presence helps control rodent populations, benefiting the ecosystem.
As their numbers grow, Ohioans are reminded to take necessary precautions to avoid conflicts, including securing trash and supervising pets while outdoors.
31. Indiana
Indiana boasts a substantial coyote population, estimated at 15,000 to 20,000, thriving across the state’s rural and suburban landscapes.
They are adept hunters, preying on small mammals and occasionally scavenging. Coyotes help control rodent populations, contributing to ecological balance.
Despite their growth, they are generally shy and avoid human contact. Hoosiers are encouraged to practice coexistence by securing trash and supervising pets to prevent potential conflicts with these adaptable creatures.
30. Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s coyote population is steadily growing, with around 17,000 adapting to the state’s diverse landscapes.
From dairy farms to suburban areas, coyotes are becoming more prevalent. They are effective hunters, preying on small mammals and occasionally scavenging. Their presence helps control rodent populations, benefiting the ecosystem.
Residents are advised to take precautions, such as securing trash and keeping pets safe, to promote peaceful coexistence with these adaptable creatures.
29. New York
New York is home to a moderate coyote population of around 20,000, with these adaptable creatures thriving in both rural and suburban areas.They are often spotted in parks and wooded areas, where they hunt small mammals and birds.
The state’s diverse landscapes offer ample food and shelter, supporting a stable coyote population. While generally shy, they may venture into urban areas in search of food.
New Yorkers are advised to take precautions, such as securing trash cans and keeping pets on leashes when walking in areas where coyotes are known to roam.
28. Kentucky
Kentucky’s coyote population is steadily growing, with approximately 20,200 thriving in the state’s rural and suburban landscapes.
Coyotes here often hunt small mammals and sometimes prey on livestock. Their presence is significant in maintaining ecological balance by controlling rodent populations.
Despite their growing numbers, they are usually wary of humans. Kentuckians are advised to manage potential conflicts by securing poultry and livestock, as well as implementing deterrents to keep coyotes at bay.
27. Montana
Montana is home to a robust coyote population, estimated at 20,000 to 25,000, thriving across the state’s diverse environments.
From mountainous terrains to suburban areas, coyotes are common. They are effective hunters, preying on small mammals and occasionally scavenging. Their presence helps control rodent populations, benefiting the ecosystem.
Residents are encouraged to understand coyote behavior and take necessary precautions, such as securing trash and supervising pets, to promote peaceful coexistence.
26. South Carolina
South Carolina’s coyote population is growing, with an estimated 25,000 to 30,000 living in both rural and suburban areas across the state. They are adept hunters, preying on small mammals and scavenging when necessary.
The state’s warm climate and diverse habitats provide ideal living conditions for coyotes. They play an essential role in controlling local wildlife populations.
Residents are advised to understand coyote behavior and practice coexistence by securing food sources and keeping pets safe in areas where coyotes are present.
25. Illinois
Illinois boasts a thriving coyote population of around 30,000, with these adaptable animals thriving in both rural and suburban regions of the state. They are skilled hunters, preying on small mammals and occasionally scavenging.
Coyotes play a significant role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling rodent populations. Despite their growth, they usually avoid human interaction.
Illinoisans are encouraged to take steps to minimize potential conflicts, such as securing trash and supervising pets, to ensure peaceful coexistence with these resilient creatures.
24. Mississippi
Mississippi’s coyote population is thriving, with approximately 32,612 of these intelligent animals adapting to the state’s diverse environments.They are commonly found in rural and suburban areas, hunting small mammals.
Coyotes help control rodent populations, contributing to the overall health of the ecosystem. Despite their growing numbers, they remain elusive and avoid human contact.
Mississippians are advised to understand coyote behavior and practice coexistence by securing trash and supervising pets to prevent potential conflicts.
23. Missouri
Missouri’s coyote population is flourishing, with an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 thriving across the state’s diverse landscapes. From farmlands to suburban neighborhoods, coyotes are becoming a common sight.
They are effective hunters, preying on small mammals and scavenging when necessary. Their presence helps control rodent populations, benefiting the ecosystem.
Missourians are advised to understand coyote behavior and take necessary precautions, such as securing trash and supervising pets, to avoid potential conflicts.
22. Tennessee
Tennessee’s coyote population is thriving, with approximately 38,202 of these adaptable animals inhabiting the state’s diverse terrains. From mountainous regions to suburban areas, they are becoming a familiar sight.
Coyotes here are skilled hunters, preying on small mammals and occasionally scavenging. They play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance.
Residents are reminded to secure outdoor food sources and supervise pets to prevent any unwanted encounters with these intelligent creatures.
21. Michigan
Michigan’s coyote population is robust, with an estimated 30,000 to 50,000 adapting seamlessly to the state’s diverse environments. They are commonly found in rural and suburban areas, hunting small mammals and scavenging.
Coyotes contribute to controlling rodent populations, playing a crucial role in the ecosystem. Despite their growing numbers, they remain elusive and avoid human contact.
Residents are reminded to manage potential conflicts by securing food sources and supervising pets to promote peaceful coexistence with these intelligent animals.
20. Washington
Washington is home to a sizable coyote population of around 50,000, thriving in both the state’s rural and suburban areas. They are skilled hunters, preying on small mammals and occasionally scavenging.
Coyotes contribute to controlling rodent populations, playing a crucial role in ecological balance. Despite their prevalence, they remain elusive and avoid human contact.
Residents are encouraged to take necessary precautions, such as securing trash and supervising pets, to promote peaceful coexistence with these resilient creatures.
19. Virginia
Virginia’s coyote population is steadily growing, with approximately 50,000 thriving in the state’s rural and suburban areas.
They are versatile predators, preying on small mammals and occasionally deer. The state’s diverse landscapes offer suitable habitats for coyotes, although they are often shy and avoid human contact.
Education on coexisting with coyotes is crucial. Virginians are encouraged to take steps to minimize potential conflicts, such as securing trash and keeping small pets indoors during peak coyote activity times.
18. North Carolina
North Carolina’s coyote population is on the rise, with approximately 51,905 adapting to the state’s diverse environments. They are found in rural and suburban areas, often hunting small mammals.
Coyotes contribute to controlling rodent populations and help maintain a balanced ecosystem. Despite their growth, they are generally shy and avoid humans.
Residents are encouraged to coexist peacefully, understand coyote behavior, and take measures such as securing trash and supervising pets to prevent conflicts.
17. Idaho
Idaho’s coyote population is significant, with approximately 52,370 thriving across the state’s rural and suburban areas. They are effective hunters, preying on small mammals and occasionally scavenging.
Coyotes contribute to controlling rodent populations, playing a crucial role in ecological balance. Despite their growth, they generally avoid human contact.
Residents are encouraged to understand coyote behavior and take necessary precautions, such as securing trash and supervising pets, to promote peaceful coexistence.
16. Louisiana
Louisiana is home to a robust coyote population of approximately 52,370, with these adaptable creatures thriving in both rural and suburban regions across the state. They are skilled hunters, preying on small mammals and scavenging when necessary.
Coyotes play a crucial role in controlling rodent populations, benefiting the ecosystem. Despite their growth, they are generally shy and avoid humans.
Residents are encouraged to coexist peacefully, understanding coyote behavior and taking precautions such as securing food sources to prevent conflicts.
15. Alabama
Alabama’s coyote population is steadily growing, with approximately 52,400 spreading across the state’s rural and suburban landscapes.
They are versatile hunters, preying on small mammals and occasionally scavenging. Coyotes play a significant role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling rodent populations.
Despite their growth, they are usually elusive and avoid humans. Residents are encouraged to manage potential conflicts by securing food sources and understanding coyote behavior to promote peaceful coexistence.
14. Nevada
Nevada hosts a sizable coyote population of around 55,000, with these adaptable creatures thriving in the state’s desert and suburban areas.
They are skilled hunters, preying on small mammals and occasionally scavenging. Coyotes play a significant role in controlling rodent populations, contributing to ecological balance.
Despite their growth, they are usually elusive and avoid human interaction. Residents are encouraged to take steps to minimize potential conflicts by securing food sources and supervising pets, ensuring peaceful coexistence.
13. South Dakota
South Dakota is home to a substantial coyote population of around 70,000, with these resilient animals thriving across the state’s rural and suburban areas.
They are adept hunters, preying on small mammals and occasionally scavenging. Coyotes play a significant role in controlling rodent populations, contributing to ecological balance.
Despite their growth, they generally avoid human contact. Residents are encouraged to take steps to minimize potential conflicts, such as securing food sources and supervising pets, to ensure peaceful coexistence with these adaptable creatures.
12. Nebraska
Nebraska boasts a thriving coyote population of approximately 77,345, spreading across the state’s diverse landscapes. From open plains to suburban areas, these adaptable animals are becoming an increasingly common sight.
They are effective hunters, preying on small mammals and scavenging when necessary. Their presence helps control rodent populations, benefiting the ecosystem.
Nebraskans are advised to take necessary precautions, such as securing trash and supervising pets, to avoid potential conflicts with these intelligent creatures.
11. Colorado
Colorado, one of the U.S. states where you’re most likely to spot a coyote, hosts a thriving population of approximately 78,252. These adaptable animals flourish across the state’s diverse landscapes, from open plains to mountainous regions.
From mountainous regions to suburban areas, coyotes are becoming increasingly prevalent. They are skilled hunters, preying on small mammals and scavenging when necessary. Their presence helps control rodent populations, benefiting the ecosystem.
Coloradans are advised to take necessary precautions, such as securing trash and supervising pets, to avoid potential conflicts with these intelligent creatures.
10. Oregon
Oregon boasts a flourishing coyote population of approximately 83,695, with these adaptable creatures thriving across the state’s diverse landscapes. They are skilled hunters, preying on small mammals and occasionally scavenging.
Coyotes play a significant role in controlling rodent populations, benefiting the ecosystem. Despite their growth, they are usually elusive and avoid human interaction.
Residents are advised to take necessary precautions, such as securing trash and supervising pets, to ensure peaceful coexistence with these intelligent creatures.
9. Wyoming
Wyoming has a substantial coyote population of approximately 86,000, with these resilient animals thriving across the state’s rural and suburban areas.
They are skilled hunters, preying on small mammals and occasionally scavenging. Coyotes play a significant role in controlling rodent populations, contributing to ecological balance.
Despite their presence, they are usually elusive and avoid human interaction. Residents are encouraged to take steps to minimize potential conflicts, such as securing food sources and supervising pets, to ensure peaceful coexistence.
8. Georgia
Georgia boasts a flourishing coyote population of around 90,000, with these adaptable creatures thriving in both rural and suburban areas across the state.
They are often found hunting small mammals and scavenging in farmlands and forests. Coyotes contribute to controlling rodent populations, benefiting the ecosystem.
As their numbers grow, human-coyote interactions have become more common. Georgians are advised to coexist peacefully by securing trash, supervising pets, and being aware of coyote activity in their neighborhoods.
7. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s coyote population is steadily increasing, with approximately 100,000 adapting to a wide range of habitats throughout the state.
They are often found in rural and suburban areas, preying on rodents and scavenging when necessary. Coyotes have become an integral part of Pennsylvania’s ecosystem, contributing to the control of small animal populations.
Sightings have become more frequent in recent years. Residents are encouraged to coexist with these animals by practicing responsible measures, such as securing pets and livestock and avoiding feeding wildlife.
6. Arkansas
Arkansas is home to a substantial coyote population of approximately 106,360, thriving in both the state’s rural and suburban areas.
They are skilled hunters, preying on small mammals and occasionally scavenging. Coyotes play a significant role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling rodent populations.
Despite their growth, they usually avoid human interaction. Residents are reminded to manage potential conflicts by securing outdoor food sources and supervising pets to promote peaceful coexistence with these intelligent creatures.
5. New Mexico
New Mexico is home to a thriving coyote population, estimated at around 125,000, making it one of the states with the highest numbers of these adaptable animals.
Coyotes in New Mexico inhabit a variety of environments, from arid deserts to forested regions and even urban areas. Known for their resilience, they play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance by controlling small mammal populations.
Despite their growing presence, coyotes in New Mexico typically avoid human interaction, remaining elusive and nocturnal.
4. Kansas
Kansas boasts a thriving coyote population of around 150,000, with these adaptable animals making their homes in the state’s vast prairies and suburban regions.
They are skilled hunters, preying on small mammals and occasionally scavenging. Coyotes play a significant role in controlling rodent populations, benefiting the ecosystem. Despite their prevalence, they are usually elusive and avoid human contact.
Residents are encouraged to understand coyote behavior and take necessary precautions, such as securing trash and supervising pets, to promote peaceful coexistence.
3. Arizona
Arizona is home to a robust coyote population of approximately 200,000, thriving across the state’s diverse landscapes. From deserts to suburban areas, coyotes are a common sight.
They are skilled hunters, preying on small mammals and occasionally scavenging. Their presence helps control rodent populations, benefiting the ecosystem.
Residents are advised to take precautions, such as securing trash and supervising pets, to avoid potential conflicts with these resilient creatures.
2. California
California hosts a significant coyote population of around 250,000, with these adaptable animals thriving in the state’s expansive and diverse landscapes. From coastal regions and deserts to picturesque Californian suburbs, coyotes have become a common sight in the Golden State.
They are skilled hunters, preying on small mammals and occasionally scavenging. Coyotes play a significant role in controlling rodent populations, contributing to ecological balance.
Californians are advised to take necessary precautions, such as securing trash and supervising pets, to avoid potential conflicts with these intelligent creatures.
1. Texas
Texas boasts the largest coyote population in the United States, with an estimated 859,510 thriving across the state’s diverse and expansive landscapes.
From deserts to suburban areas, coyotes are a common sight. They are skilled hunters, preying on small mammals and occasionally scavenging. Their presence helps control rodent populations, benefiting the ecosystem.
Texans are advised to understand coyote behavior and take necessary precautions, such as securing trash and supervising pets, to avoid potential conflicts with these resilient creatures.