Coyotes are a fully established presence in Maryland, having successfully colonized every county across the state. These adaptable canids are now a permanent fixture in Maryland’s ecological landscape, coexisting with human populations in various environments. Their successful expansion has fundamentally altered the state’s wild community. Understanding their history and current distribution is the first step toward living alongside this resilient mammal.
Confirming Their Presence and Arrival in Maryland
The coyote, Canis latrans, is not native to Maryland but began its eastward expansion from its original range west of the Mississippi River in the 20th century. This migration was facilitated by the removal of larger, competing predators, such as wolves and mountain lions. The changing landscape, marked by the clearing of eastern forests for agriculture, also provided more favorable edge habitats.
Coyotes followed two primary migration corridors, moving south from New England and north from the southeastern states, meeting in the Mid-Atlantic region. Maryland and Delaware were among the last states on the East Coast to document the animal’s arrival. The first substantiated sightings in Maryland occurred in 1972, specifically in Cecil, Frederick, and Washington counties.
The initial presence was concentrated in Western Maryland, but the population density and occupied range have expanded since the 1970s. Modern eastern coyotes are genetically distinct, often referred to as “coywolves” due to historical interbreeding with eastern wolves and domestic dogs. This genetic mixing may account for the eastern coyote’s slightly larger average size compared to its western counterparts, with adults typically weighing between 30 and 40 pounds.
Geographic Spread Across the State
Coyotes have established populations in all 23 Maryland counties, adapting successfully to various habitats. The highest population densities are found in the western panhandle and central parts of the state, particularly in areas characterized by intermixed woodland and farmland. This landscape offers both cover and access to a diverse prey base.
Coyote density generally declines when moving from west to east across the state, with the lowest concentrations occurring on the Eastern Shore. Even so, the species has successfully crossed the Chesapeake Bay bridge-tunnels and established a foothold on the Delmarva Peninsula. This distribution pattern highlights the animal’s ability to colonize new, less connected territories.
Coyotes have also proven successful at inhabiting suburban and even urban areas, including the peripheries of the Baltimore and Washington D.C. metropolitan regions. These urban-adapted coyotes use green spaces, park systems, and utility corridors to move undetected. Their presence often goes unnoticed until a sighting is made via a trail camera or a chance encounter.
Distinguishing Coyotes from Other Wildlife
Identifying a coyote from foxes and some stray dogs requires observing specific physical traits. An adult coyote generally resembles a small German Shepherd, standing about 1.5 to 2 feet at the shoulder and possessing a long, bushy tail. Their coat is typically a mix of brown, buff, and mottled gray or black, with lighter-colored fur on the throat and chest.
Coyotes can be differentiated from the smaller red and gray foxes by several key features. Red foxes, which are roughly the size of a house cat and weigh only 10 to 15 pounds, are most easily identified by their distinct white-tipped tail. Gray foxes are shyer and more compact, often exhibiting a salt-and-pepper coat with reddish highlights and sometimes displaying a unique ability to climb trees.
Another reliable visual cue is the animal’s tail carriage when it is moving. A coyote tends to carry its tail low, often pointing down, especially when trotting or running, while the red fox typically holds its tail straight out behind its body. Coyote vocalizations are also distinct, often involving a complex chorus of high-pitched yips, barks, and howls, which differs from the more singular screams and sharp barks of foxes.
Living Alongside Coyotes and Safety Guidelines
Coexisting with coyotes requires proactive measures to prevent them from becoming habituated to human presence or resources. The most effective strategy is eliminating accessible food sources that unintentionally attract wildlife to residential areas. This includes securing all garbage in sturdy containers with tight-fitting lids and refraining from leaving pet food or water bowls outside, especially overnight.
Pet safety is a significant concern, requiring that all small domestic animals be supervised when outdoors, even during daylight hours. Keeping cats and small dogs inside at night is strongly recommended, as coyotes are opportunistic predators that may see unattended pets as potential prey. Walking all dogs on a leash also reduces the risk of an unwanted encounter.
If a coyote is observed in an area where it should not be or appears unafraid of people, residents should employ “hazing” techniques to reinforce the animal’s natural fear of humans. Hazing involves making oneself appear large, yelling or shouting, and waving arms or throwing small objects like sticks in the animal’s direction. Residents experiencing persistent issues or concerns can seek technical guidance by contacting the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) nuisance wildlife information line.