Coyote Quick Facts

Where do coyotes live?

Coyotes are found throughout the Pacific Northwest, from downtown Tacoma to the smallest suburb. They are extremely adaptable and can thrive in any neighborhood that provides their basic needs.

Residential areas provide good habitat for coyotes. They find plentiful food in the mice, rabbits and raccoons that are drawn to yards and gardens. Parks, trails and natural areas offer water, shelter and the space coyotes need to live and raise their families.

What do they eat?

Coyotes are hunters and scavengers – they eat mostly natural wild foods like small animals, grass, nuts and berries. But they can also eat domestic pets and human food.

When do they hunt?

Coyotes can hunt during the day but mostly hunt and forage at dawn, dusk and at night.

What times of year are coyotes most active? Am I seeing more coyotes in the fall and winter?

Not necessarily. Coyote sightings tend to increase in the fall and winter.  In the fall, juvenile coyotes leave their parents and start to live on their own.  These young coyotes are still learning how to survive, and as a result are more likely to venture out during the daytime.  In the winter, people are more likely to see coyotes because days are shorter.  During those months, people are more active during dawn and dusk, the main times of day when coyotes are also active.  Additionally, food for coyotes is more limited in the winter, which can push them to search for food during the day.  In both the fall and winter, the increased coyote sightings do not necessarily mean that more coyotes are present, just that their behavior (and our own behavior) is making them more visible.

Do coyotes pose a risk to people?

Although naturally curious, coyotes are usually timid animals and normally flee if confronted. As coyotes adapt to the presence of humans, some individuals lose their natural fear of us. Coyote attacks on humans are rare. In most cases, attacks occur as a result of people feeding coyotes.

If you encounter a coyote that is actively aggressive or bites a person, contact your local Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife office.

Do coyotes pose a risk to pets?

It can be difficult to accept, but pets can be seen as a food source by coyotes. Large dogs may be seen as a threat or possible mate. Coyotes have taken pets from backyards, open spaces and even right off the leash. Reduce risk by closely supervising your pets or keeping them indoors. Visit our Protecting Pets page to learn more.

Can we make them leave?

Populations fluctuate, but coyotes probably won’t leave. Eradication programs in cities have proven to be expensive failures. Community members can work together to instill a healthy and natural fear of humans back into coyotes—for their safety and ours. Coyotes are quick learners and consistent negative experiences can teach them to avoid people.

If you feel that coyotes in your neighborhood are displaying aggressive behaviors, urban coyote experts can provide a free assessment of your situation. Call the USDA state office at (360) 753-9884.

Do coyotes have rabies?

Most coyotes do NOT have rabies but can carry the disease, as can raccoons, weasels and other urban carnivores. This is another reason to keep your pets away from them and be sure their vaccinations are up to date.

I’ve seen a coyote that looks sick. What can I do?

Unfortunately, coyotes sometimes suffer from diseases or parasites including mange, canine distemper and canine parvovirus and may appear thin and in poor health. These conditions are rarely a risk to humans, but could be a risk to domestic dogs. While we can’t help sick coyotes, you can protect your pets from diseases by keeping them vaccinated.

Can I remove a problem coyote?

While removing a coyote is an option for some homeowners or renters (RCW 77.36.030), removing individual coyotes from an area is often not an effective long term solution for coyote control.  Simply put, seeing coyotes in an area means the area is a good habitat for coyotes.  If you remove a coyote, another will probably quickly take their place.  A better, more permanent solution is to make your home a less appealing habitat.  There are many steps you can take to discourage coyotes from your property. Visit our Discouraging Coyotes page to learn more. If no other option is available but removal, check with your county and/or local jurisdiction for local restrictions.