Coyotes are one of the most misunderstood animals in North America.
They’re clever, adaptable, and surprisingly complex creatures — and as cities expand, coyote sightings in suburban neighborhoods have become more common than ever.
But despite their growing presence, coyotes are not naturally aggressive toward humans.
Understanding why they behave the way they do can help homeowners coexist safely and confidently with these remarkable animals.
Here’s a closer look at who coyotes are, how they think, what drives their behavior, and what you can expect if coyotes live near your community.
1. Coyotes Are Highly Intelligent, Adaptable Survivors
Coyotes are often called the “ultimate survivors,” and for good reason.
They’ve successfully adapted to:
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Forests
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Mountains
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Prairies
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Deserts
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Farmlands
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Suburbs
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Even major cities like Chicago and Los Angeles
Their intelligence, curiosity, and problem-solving abilities allow them to thrive in environments that many other predators avoid.
In fact, research shows that coyotes often do better in human-dominated landscapes than in untouched wilderness.
2. Coyotes Are Territorial — but Not Always Aggressive
Coyotes maintain well-defined territories, especially during:
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Breeding season (January–March)
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Pup-rearing season (April–August)
During these periods, they may seem more vocal or protective.
However, territorial behavior is not the same as aggression toward humans.
Why coyotes are territorial:
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Protecting food sources
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Guarding den sites
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Keeping rival coyotes out
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Raising pups safely
Most territorial displays — howling, barking, yipping — are simply communication signals, not warnings for people.
3. Communication: Coyotes “Talk” More Than You Think
Coyotes are extremely vocal animals with a wide range of sounds:
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Howls — long-distance communication with family
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Yips — excited or social communication
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Barks — alerting the pack of disturbances
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Growls — defensive behavior
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Yip-howls — group reunification signals
Many homeowners mistake these sounds for massive “packs,” when in reality a family group is usually just 2–5 coyotes.
Coyotes howl mostly at dawn and dusk — a natural behavior linked to travel and hunting patterns.
4. Coyote Diets Are More Diverse Than Expected
Coyotes are not picky eaters. They are omnivores, meaning they eat whatever the environment provides.
Their diet typically includes:
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Rodents
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Rabbits
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Birds
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Insects
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Fruit
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Carrion
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Reptiles
In urban areas, they may also take advantage of:
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Pet food left outside
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Fallen fruit
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Garbage
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Compost
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Small pets (rare but possible, especially unsupervised cats)
This adaptability is a major reason coyotes can survive — and even flourish — near human homes.
5. Coyote Encounters With Humans Are Rarely Dangerous
Coyotes naturally avoid people. Most sightings are brief and non-confrontational.
Common reasons a coyote might approach or appear unusually bold:
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It has been fed (intentionally or unintentionally)
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It is protecting nearby pups
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It is checking out a smell, food source, or curiosity
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It is habituated to humans due to urban life
Even “bold” coyotes usually flee when hazed (loud noises, waving arms, making yourself look big).
Coyotes are not naturally aggressive toward humans, and attacks remain extremely rare.
6. Family Life: Coyotes Are Dedicated Parents
Coyotes form small family units that often resemble wolf packs on a smaller scale.
A typical coyote family includes:
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A breeding pair (they often mate for several years)
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The year’s pups (4–7 on average)
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Sometimes a helper from last year’s litter
Coyotes raise their pups with strong cooperation.
Both parents hunt, defend the den, and teach pups survival skills.
During pup season (spring–summer), coyotes may appear more active or vocal — but this is normal and temporary.
7. Why Coyotes Enter Suburban Neighborhoods
Coyotes don’t wander into cities because they’re “losing” their wild territory.
They enter because human environments offer three key resources:
✔ Food
Rodents thrive near homes.
Trash cans spill over.
Fruit trees drop food.
Outdoor cats or dog food provide easy meals.
✔ Water
Sprinklers, bird baths, ponds, and AC runoff provide year-round hydration.
✔ Shelter
Parks, greenbelts, golf courses, drainage areas, and overgrown yards mimic excellent natural habitat.
To a coyote, suburbs are just new territory with better amenities.
8. Coyotes Help Control Rodent Populations
One overlooked fact:
Coyotes perform a valuable ecological service.
A single coyote can eat:
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Hundreds of mice and rats per year
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Invasive rabbits
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Pest insects
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Carrion that would otherwise attract scavengers
Communities with coyotes often see lower rodent numbers — benefitting both homeowners and local ecosystems.
9. How to Prevent Conflicts with Coyotes
Living near wildlife doesn’t have to be stressful.
A few simple steps dramatically reduce coyote activity around your home.
Do:
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Secure trash cans
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Bring pet food inside
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Clean up fallen fruit
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Supervise small pets
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Install motion lights
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Maintain your yard
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Make loud noises if a coyote lingers too close
Don’t:
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Leave pets unattended outdoors
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Feed coyotes
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Leave birdseed piles where rodents gather
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Approach a den or pups
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Run away if a coyote approaches (it may trigger curiosity)
Most conflicts happen because coyotes have been unintentionally fed or allowed to feel too comfortable.
10. Coexistence Is Possible — and Often Beneficial
Coyotes are not invaders — they are highly adaptive wildlife responding to modern environments.
Understanding their behavior helps homeowners:
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Stay safe
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Protect pets
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Avoid attracting them
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Appreciate their role in the local ecosystem
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Reduce unnecessary fear
Coyotes are intelligent, cautious, resourceful animals, and with proper prevention, humans and coyotes can share space peacefully.
Final Thoughts
Coyotes are far from the fearful reputation they sometimes receive.
They are curious, clever, family-oriented animals simply trying to survive in a world shaped by human development.
By learning how they think and why they behave the way they do, homeowners can make informed decisions — and avoid the misunderstandings that lead to conflict.
Coyotes aren’t going anywhere.
But with education and prevention, coexistence can be both safe and beneficial for everyone.
Got Wildlife or Pests?
If you think that you have a wildlife or pest infestation problem, don't hesitate to reach out to us by calling 855-WILDLIFE or by visiting www.wildlifexteam.com for more information.
Thanks!
-Wildlife x Team International