Coyotes are an established presence in Ohio, found across all 88 counties. They are a highly adaptable species, thriving in both rural and increasingly urban environments. This widespread distribution means that encounters with coyotes, while often brief, are a reality for many residents. Understanding their behavior and habitat helps to foster coexistence.
Statewide Distribution and Habitats
Coyotes began expanding their range eastward after native predators like the gray wolf were eliminated. The first recorded sighting in Ohio occurred around 1919, and by 1988, they were distributed statewide. This expansion was aided by the conversion of dense forests into open farmland and wooded areas, providing an ideal mix of habitat and prey.
Coyotes now occupy a wide variety of habitats, including rural agricultural areas, deep woods, suburban neighborhoods, and city parks. Urban coyotes utilize green spaces, golf courses, and cemeteries, often shifting their activity to nighttime hours to avoid human interaction. Populations in urban areas can be denser than those in natural settings due to abundant food resources.
Key Characteristics and Diet
Coyotes are members of the dog family, Canidae, resembling a slender, medium-sized domestic dog. An adult typically weighs between 25 and 35 pounds, though some individuals reach up to 45 pounds. Their fur is generally grizzled gray and tan, often featuring a black-tipped, bushy tail carried low.
Vocalizations, consisting of yips, howls, and high-pitched cries, are commonly heard around dawn or dusk. As opportunistic omnivores, their varied diet is a major factor in their success across Ohio. Natural prey includes small mammals like mice, voles, rabbits, and squirrels. They also scavenge on roadkill, eat fruits and berries, and in urban settings, are attracted to unsecured pet food, garbage, or fallen fruit.
Preventing Conflicts
Coexisting with coyotes requires residents to actively remove potential attractants from their properties. All sources of outdoor food should be eliminated, including storing garbage in secure containers and removing pet food bowls immediately after use. Bird feeders that spill seed can indirectly attract coyotes by drawing in rodents.
Protecting pets involves constant supervision, especially for small dogs and cats, which coyotes may view as prey. Cats should be kept indoors, and small dogs should always be leashed when outside, particularly during dawn and dusk. If a coyote approaches, residents should immediately employ hazing techniques to reinforce the animal’s natural fear of humans. Hazing involves acting “big and loud” by shouting, waving arms, or using a whistle until the coyote retreats. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) recommends contacting a licensed nuisance trapper if the animal exhibits unusual fearlessness or aggression despite efforts to remove attractants.