Also known as: Prairie wolf, Brush wolf
Coyotes weigh 20–45 lbs, with females smaller than males. They look somewhat like small collie dogs with erect pointed ears, a slender muzzle, and a bushy tail usually held low to the ground. Typically brownish gray in color with a light gray to cream-colored belly, with most sightings at sunrise and sunset. Coyotes are found in 49 US states (all but Hawaii), plus Canada and Mexico, ranging from Central America to the Arctic. They inhabit deserts, swamps, tundra, grasslands, and dense forests, from below sea level to high mountains, and now live in suburbs and cities. Delaware is the 49th state populated by the species, present for at least 10 years, documented in all three counties. Coyotes are a true scavenger that will eat just about anything. Prey includes sheep, poultry, deer, snakes, foxes, rodents, rabbits, birds, frogs, grasshoppers, pet cats and dogs, cat/dog food, carrion, fruits, vegetables, grass, and garbage. Primarily nocturnal.
Habitat & Range
Coyotes inhabit deserts, swamps, tundra, grasslands, dense forests, suburbs, and cities. In Delaware, they are documented in all three counties. They are extremely adaptable and found from below sea level to high mountains.
Life History
Coyotes breed in February–March; pups born approximately 60 days later. Average litter is 4–5 pups. Dens occur in storm drains, under storage sheds, in holes dug in vacant lots, parks, golf courses, or any other dark, dry place. Both parents care for pups. By one month, pups eat meat and move well. By 6 months, they have permanent teeth and are nearly full-grown. Young usually disperse in October–November; some may stay with parents. Travel and hunt singly or in pairs; may form groups at higher densities or where food is abundant.
Status, Trends & Threats
Delaware's coyote population is relatively low. On average, around ten coyotes are harvested in Delaware each year. They are extremely wary of humans where hunted and trapped, but can become bold in urban areas. Numerous incidents of coyotes harassing leashed dogs near parks and golf courses in cities have been reported, but none reported in Delaware.
Hunting Season
See Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide for current season dates
License & Regulations
Valid Delaware hunting license required. Trapping license required for trapping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a coyote look like?
Coyotes weigh 20–45 lbs with erect pointed ears, a slender muzzle, and a bushy tail usually held low to the ground. They are brownish gray with a light gray to cream-colored belly, resembling a small collie dog.
What do coyotes eat?
Coyotes are true scavengers. Their diet includes sheep, poultry, deer, snakes, foxes, rodents, rabbits, birds, frogs, grasshoppers, pet cats and dogs, carrion, fruits, vegetables, grass, and garbage.
Are coyotes common in Delaware?
Delaware's coyote population is relatively low. On average, around ten coyotes are harvested in Delaware each year. Red foxes are more common and frequently misidentified as coyotes.
References
| State | Category | Directory | Subcategory | Content | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware | Hunting | Regulations | Season Dates | See Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide for current season dates | Link |
| Delaware | Hunting | License | License & Fees | Valid Delaware hunting license required. Trapping license required for trapping. | Link |
| Delaware | Hunting | Regulations | Regulations | Coyotes are classified as both a furbearer and predator in Delaware. Trapping regulations are found in the Furbearer Tra | Link |
