Coyote Urban Wildlife Welfare | Animal Welfare Hub

Coyotes have successfully colonized urban and suburban environments, creating both coexistence opportunities and welfare challenges.

Key Facts

Coyotes have expanded their range from western North America to all 50 US states including Hawaii
Urban coyotes have higher survival rates and smaller territories than rural counterparts
They are primarily monogamous, forming pair bonds that persist for years
Urban coyotes primarily eat wild food - small mammals, birds, fruits - not primarily human food
Coyote attacks on pets occur but are rare - cats and small dogs are most at risk
Lethal control is ineffective at reducing coyote populations long-term
Hazing (loud noises, water spraying) can reduce coyote habituation in urban areas
Urban coyotes provide rodent control services worth significant economic value

Welfare Considerations

Coyotes killed through lethal control programs suffer through trapping, shooting, and poisoning. Coyote pups orphaned when parents are killed may die of starvation. Lethal control creates population vacuums that are rapidly filled by immigration and increased reproduction - making it ineffective for long-term management while causing ongoing welfare harm. Coyotes that become food-conditioned through human feeding become increasingly bold and are eventually killed. The coexistence approach - hazing habituated animals and securing attractants - protects both coyote welfare and human safety more effectively than lethal control.

What You Can Do

Never intentionally feed coyotes - this habituates them to humans and leads to their killing
Keep small pets indoors at night or under supervision in coyote areas
Haze habituated coyotes with loud noises and water to maintain their wariness
Secure garbage and compost to eliminate human food sources
Advocate for coexistence management programs rather than lethal control in your community