The presence of the coyote (Canis latrans) in Michigan is confirmed and widespread throughout the state. This adaptable canid has successfully expanded its range across North America, establishing itself firmly within Michigan’s diverse ecosystems. Coyotes are a permanent fixture in the natural landscape, inhabiting areas far beyond their historical rural boundaries. Understanding their distribution, characteristics, and behavior is key to effective coexistence with this species.
State-Wide Presence and Habitat
Coyotes inhabit every county in Michigan, establishing a presence in both the Upper and Lower Peninsulas. They demonstrate remarkable adaptability, thriving in environments ranging from dense forests and farmlands to suburban neighborhoods and urban centers. Studies show coyotes are prevalent even in urban areas, such as the greater Detroit area, though they tend to avoid the most heavily populated zones.
Coyotes frequently utilize edge habitats, such as the borders between wooded areas and open grasslands, for foraging and movement. Their home ranges in urban settings are relatively small, averaging two to five square miles, compared to eight to twelve square miles in rural environments. This smaller range is possible because urban areas offer an abundance of food sources and cover, especially where green space like parks is available.
Identifying the Michigan Coyote
The coyote is slender, typically reaching the size of a medium-sized German Shepherd, with a body weight averaging between 20 and 55 pounds. Their coat color varies but is generally yellowish-gray to grayish-brown on the upper body. They have white or cream-colored fur covering the throat and belly.
A coyote’s ears are tall, pointed, and stand erect, and its muzzle is slender. A key identifying feature is the bushy, black-tipped tail. When running or walking, the coyote carries its tail below the level of its back, which contrasts with the Eastern Wolf that carries its tail horizontally. Coyote tracks are also more elongated and less rounded than those of a domestic dog.
Diet, Behavior, and Urban Adaptation
The coyote’s success in Michigan is largely due to its opportunistic diet and flexible behavior, allowing it to exploit various food sources. Their natural diet consists mainly of small mammals, such as voles, mice, rabbits, and squirrels. They also consume insects, fruits, berries, and scavenge on larger animals, including deer fawns and road-killed deer.
In urban and suburban areas, their foraging adapts to include human-associated food sources, though small wild prey remains the primary component of their diet. Coyotes are attracted to unsecured garbage, pet food left outdoors, and small animals frequenting bird feeders and gardens. While active day and night, their peak activity occurs around sunrise and sunset, a crepuscular pattern that helps them avoid human interaction. Coyotes typically live as solitary animals or in small family groups, unlike the pack structure of wolves.
Safe Coexistence Strategies
Effective coexistence relies on minimizing attractants and reinforcing the coyote’s natural wariness of humans. The most important step is removing all outside food sources, as coyotes accustomed to human-provided food lose their natural fear of people. This includes securing trash in tightly sealed containers, bringing pet food indoors, and removing bird feeders that attract small prey animals.
Protecting small pets is a priority, particularly during the coyote’s peak activity times around dawn and dusk. Owners should always accompany small dogs and cats outside and keep them on a leash, as an unattended pet can be seen as an easy target. If a coyote is encountered at close range, “hazing” should be used to encourage it to leave. Hazing involves making oneself look large, maintaining eye contact, and making loud noises like shouting or clapping, or throwing small objects in the coyote’s direction to reestablish its fear of humans.