Coyotes are present in Florida and are now found in every county across the state. This medium-sized canine is a naturalized part of Florida’s wildlife landscape, having established a widespread population over the last several decades. Coyotes are highly adaptable, which allows them to thrive in diverse environments, from the rural wilderness to the most densely populated urban centers. Understanding their history and behavior is important for residents to safely coexist with these animals.
Arrival and Expansion in Florida
The modern presence of coyotes in Florida is the result of a natural range expansion that occurred over the 20th century. Historically, coyotes were concentrated in the western United States, but they began migrating eastward in the 1940s. This dispersal was accelerated by the widespread clearing of forests for agriculture and the near-eradication of wolf populations, which reduced competition for resources. Coyotes began establishing themselves in northwestern Florida in the 1960s, gradually moving south and east across the peninsula.
Although some coyotes were intentionally released or escaped captivity in Florida as early as the 1930s, the species’ widespread colonization was driven primarily by this slow, steady movement from the north and west. By the 1990s, coyotes were documented in the majority of Florida counties, fully adapting to the unique subtropical ecosystems. Their ability to quickly reproduce and thrive in human-altered landscapes allowed them to successfully colonize areas where other large predators had declined.
Current Distribution and Habitat
Coyotes have proven to be habitat generalists, meaning they are not restricted to any single type of environment in Florida. They are now found in all 67 counties, utilizing everything from remote conservation lands and coastal beaches to densely populated suburban neighborhoods and major metropolitan areas. This adaptability is attributed to their flexible diet and their relatively small home range, which can be as little as one to two square miles in urban settings.
In urban and suburban areas, coyotes frequently use linear green spaces, such as drainage ditches, utility easements, golf courses, and park systems, as travel corridors. These areas provide cover and access to food sources. They often establish dens in hollow logs, under dense brush, or even beneath porches and sheds in residential areas. The presence of a coyote in a city park or a quiet street reflects the animal’s successful integration into the state’s human-dominated landscapes.
Coyote Behavior and Diet
Coyotes are highly opportunistic omnivores, meaning they will consume a wide variety of food depending on availability. Their natural diet in Florida consists primarily of small mammals like rodents, rabbits, and armadillos, as well as insects, reptiles, and fruits like berries and watermelon. In areas with human development, their diet often includes scavenged items such as garbage, pet food left outdoors, and small domestic animals, including feral cats.
Coyotes are generally most active around dawn and dusk, a pattern known as crepuscular activity, though they are also active at night. They can be seen during the day, especially if they are accustomed to human presence or are raising pups near a consistent food source. Coyotes typically live alone or in small family units, consisting of a breeding pair and their young. They communicate through a complex repertoire of yips, barks, and howls that can make a small group sound like a much larger pack.
Coexisting with Coyotes
Minimizing conflicts with coyotes begins with removing potential attractants from residential properties. Securing all garbage in heavy-duty containers with tight-fitting lids is an immediate step to prevent coyotes from accessing an easy food source. Pet food and water bowls should never be left outside, as these items draw coyotes and other wildlife directly into the yard. Additionally, residents should pick up any fallen fruit from trees, as this is a highly desirable food item.
Supervising small domestic animals is the most effective way to prevent negative interactions. Cats should be kept indoors, and small dogs should be walked on a short leash, particularly during the crepuscular hours of dawn and dusk when coyotes are most active. If a coyote approaches, “hazing”—a non-lethal method of deterrence—should be used to reinforce the animal’s natural fear of humans. This involves acting aggressively by yelling, waving arms, stomping feet, and throwing small objects toward the animal until it retreats completely.
Tools such as air horns, whistles, or a “coyote shaker”—a can containing coins or pebbles—can be carried while walking pets to create loud, startling noises. Never allow a coyote to linger in your presence, as this teaches them that people pose no threat. By consistently removing food sources and reacting assertively to their presence, residents can ensure that coyotes maintain their natural wariness and reduce the likelihood of conflicts in their communities.