Coyotes resemble small collie-shepherd dogs with a bushy tail. They are related to dogs, wolves and foxes. On average, mature coyotes weigh from 30-40 pounds, with males at the larger end of the scale. They usually breed in February and March and den only when raising pups, otherwise, they sleep above ground. Photo courtesy of MD DNR.

They were first noted in Maryland in the early 1970s and their populations have been growing and their range has been expanding ever since.

Highly adaptable animals, the coyote tends to thrive when under pressure, whether from hunting or development.  They are nocturnal and have a flexible diet, scavenging as well as hunting: it is their scavenging activity that leads them to become habituated to humans. They pose little threat to humans, however pets may be seen as prey.

Let Us Know

CCNRD is interesting in hearing about coyote sightings in the county. 

Here are a few informative links:

• Maryland Dept. of Natural Resources: Coyotes in Maryland
• US Dept. of Agriculture: USDA: Coyotes in Towns and Suburbs and Living with Coyotes
• Cook County IL: Coyote Project: Urban Coyote Research

Coyotes in the News:

• Yes, eastern coyotes are hybrids, but the ‘coywolf’ is not a thing, The Conversation, Nov. 13, 2015
  
• Coyotes increasingly common nationwide: WTOP Nov. 20, 2014
• Coyote shot on Mill Bridge Road: SoMD News Jan 2013
• Bears may come and go, Coyotes here to stay, SoMD News