Coyote Population By State: 2023 Statistics [Data]

Coyotes (Canis latrans) represent one of the most common types of wildlife in the United States. They are established and have thriving populations in all 48 lower (contiguous) states, and made their way all the way to Alaska. 

Their range doesn’t stop in the United States. Coyotes are also found in Canada, Mexico, and other regions in Central America. 

They live in a variety of habitats and are considered a nuisance in most jurisdictions. No matter where you live, you have high chances of running into coyotes.

If you’re curious to know how many there are in your area, here are the latest stats and trends of coyote population by state.

Key Facts

• There are around 2.89 million to 4.70 million coyotes throughout the United States, excluding those jurisdictions that provide no census or population density data. 
• Hawaii is the only US state with no coyotes. 
• Most jurisdictions provide no official census or coyote density data, but these mammals are so abundant that hunting seasons are open year-round with no restrictions in most areas.
• Around 500,000 coyotes are harvested annually throughout the United States.

The table below shows the estimated numbers of coyotes in each state: 

*Population sizes estimates were sourced from/provided by Wildlife Department reports, scientific papers, news outlets, studies, and other official sources cited throughout the article. Data is correct as of January 2023 and intended to use as a reference only. All figures are subject to change and can be update by the relevant authorities at any given time.

**Sighting frequencies are based on reports received by government departments and other authorities from residents/tourists in each specific state. They are not an indicator of population density in a region and are intended to use as a reference only.

***All marked figures are unofficial estimates calculated based on coyote density reports provided by state agencies, researchers, and other official sources. For these states, the Wildlife Departments provided no official census numbers.

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Coyote Population Trends By State 

Alabama

• Estimated population size: 52,400 to 786,285
• Hunting permitted: Yes. No hunting license required for resident landowners hunting throughout the day. Nighttime feral swine/coyote hunting license required for night hunting.
• Hunting season: Year-round (daylight hours), Feb to Nov (night hunting) 

Alabama provides no official census for coyotes, but the estimated density is between one and 15 coyotes per square mile. Hence, the estimated population of coyotes in Alabama is around 52,400 to 786,285 animals.

That’s a quite broad range, but not unexpected considering that densities in urban areas are naturally lower compared to the suburbs and woodlands. 

While the exact numbers are hard to estimate, coyotes are considered a nuisance in Alabama. Resident landowners need no hunting license to harvest them, while non-residents can hunt coyotes in the state if they have a standard hunting license. 

Night hunt restrictions apply for residents and non-residents alike.

Alaska

• Estimated population size: Unknown
• Hunting permitted: Yes. Hunting or trapping license required 
• Hunting season: Year-round except for Units 1-5, 18, and 22 where the hunting season runs from Sept to April

The population of coyotes in Alaska isn’t as large compared to the lower states, but it’s still large enough to allow for a year-round hunting season in most areas of the state. 

However, you can only harvest coyotes in Alaska if you have a valid hunting or trapping license. 

Alaska provides no census data, nor information regarding the estimated density of coyotes. Sightings are also rare compared to most other states.

Arizona

• Estimated population size: 200,000
• Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license or trapping license required 
• Hunting season: Year-round hunting; trapping allowed between Nov to Feb

Coyotes roam almost all areas of Arizona, from the wilderness to the suburbs and urban parks. Sightings are common, and homeowners are often concerned about their pet’s safety. 

The Copper State, too, considers coyotes a nuisance. According to the Game and Fish Department, there are around 200,000 breeding coyotes throughout Arizona. 

As such, hunting coyotes is possible year-round. There is no bag limit, but you need a valid hunting license. Trapping is also possible in the winter months, but homeowners must contact the authorities for an appropriate release location before relocating the animal. 

Arkansas

• Estimated population size: 106,360 to 212,720
• Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required unless shooting coyotes on private lands. Depredation permit required to protect livestock during the night
• Hunting season: Year-round on private lands; Jul to Feb on WMA lands

With a coyote concentration of one per each two to four square miles, the estimated number of coyotes in Arkansas exceeds 100,000 animals. 

Residents are allowed to hunt or trap coyotes on private lands all year round. A hunting permit isn’t required to take down a coyote if you’re protecting wildlife during the day, but landowners must possess a depredation permit for shooting during the night.

Trapping coyotes for relocation is also allowed. However, for hunting on public land, you must have a valid hunting license. The coyote season in Arkansas runs from July to February.

California

• Estimated population size: 250,000 to 750,000
• Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required
• Hunting season: Year-round

With a population estimated between 250,000 and 750,000, coyotes in California are listed as a nongame mammal.

They are found in nearly every habitat, including close to agricultural lands, farms, and residential areas.

Perceived as a nuisance, coyotes in California can be harvested year round, as long as you have a valid hunting license and a legal place to hunt.

Colorado

• Estimated population size: 78,252 to 89,050
• Hunting permitted: Yes. Small game or furbearer license required 
• Hunting season: Year-round

Colorado is one of the states that provides no official census numbers for coyotes, but a study on the population dynamics of coyotes established that they have a density between 0.28 and 0.33 per square kilometer. 

Considering the entire surface of the state, we can assume there are around 78,000 and 89,000 coyotes in the Centennial State. 

Colorado classifies coyotes as a game species that can be hunted year-round. A valid hunting license is required unless the animal is threatening your livestock or property. In that case, landowners must take down a coyote even without a hunting license.

Connecticut 

• Estimated population size: 3,000 to 5,000
• Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required. Restrictions may apply
• Hunting season: Year-round

Connecticut has one of the smallest coyote populations in the US, ranging between 3,000 and 5,000 animals. 

As such, it is one of the most regulated states as far as coyote hunting is concerned. 

There is a year-round season, but specific dates must be checked beforehand. Hunters also need a valid license and other restrictions might be in place.

Delaware

• Estimated population size: 50 to 100
• Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required 
• Hunting season: Sept to Feb

With coyotes thriving in almost all United States, it may come as a surprise that the population of coyotes in Delaware may not even exceed 100 animals.

However, even if their numbers are low, coyotes in Delaware are by no means shy. Sightings are frequent in urban and suburban areas. With the population increasing, conflicts also become more and more frequent. 

To avoid unpleasant surprises, you should avoid leaving small pets roaming around, especially if you live near a woodland or large park.

Florida

• Estimated population size: 13,000 to 70,000
• Hunting permitted: Yes, but only for protecting property or livestock. No permit required
• Hunting season: Year-round

The Sunshine State had had coyotes roaming its lands in the past. However, red wolves drove coyotes away a very long time ago. In fact, coyotes only recently returned to Florida after an absence of 12,000 years. 

Today, the estimated population of coyotes in Florida is about 13,000 to 70,000 animals. They are mostly found in woodlands and open forest areas, but also near human settlements. 

While actually hunting coyotes is not legal in the Sunshine State, landowners may take down coyotes to protect their properties and livestock. There is no permit required for the purpose.

Georgia

• Estimated population size: 90,000
• Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required unless hunting on your own private land
• Hunting season: Year-round

Georgia’s population of coyotes is at least 90,000, the mammals being considered an invasive species. 

They are found in all habitats, including urban areas, and can become a threat for livestock, pets, and even small children. 

Like in most states where coyotes are considered a nuisance, Georgia allows for year-round hunting. Landowners don’t need a license to shoot or trap coyotes.

Hawaii

• Estimated population size: 0
• Hunting permitted: No

Hawaii is the only state with no coyote population. There are no wolves and foxes either, and generally, no land predators on the island. 

In fact, Hawaii is one of the few places in North America where you won’t be able to spot a single wild canid.

Idaho

• Estimated population size: 52,000
• Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid small game or nongame hunting license required 
• Hunting season: Year-round

With an estimated population of coyotes in Idaho of at least 52,000, coming across the wild canid is fairly easy. 

However, even if sightings are common, conflicts are relatively rare. Idaho has abundant natural areas and wildlife, so coyotes have no trouble finding suitable prey out in nature. 

Protecting your property and livestock from coyotes is possible year-long, but a valid hunting license is required (that can be a 3-day small game or nongame license). 

Illinois 

• Estimated population size: 30,000
• Hunting permitted: Yes. Hunting or trapping license required
• Hunting season: Year-round except for firearm deer hunting season

Illinois’ population of coyotes is 30,000; yet, this is one of the few states where coyotes are protected under the state’s wildlife code. 

This means that you can’t shoot or trap coyotes in urban or suburban areas. Instead, a nuisance wildlife control operator can trap and relocate offending animals.

On public hunting grounds, coyotes may be harvested year-round, though, except for the firearm deer season when only licensed deer hunters may take coyotes.

Indiana

• Estimated population size: Unknown
• Hunting permitted: Yes. License not required for landowners
• Hunting season: Year-round 

Indiana’s coyote population is allegedly huge. These animals are easy to spot, and attacks have been a steady problem in metro areas.

Conflicts are more frequent in expanding suburbs, where the local populations of coyotes have not had time to adjust to living near humans. 

While the state provides no census data or an estimated density, it allows for year-round hunting with no bag limits and no license for landowners who take coyotes on their private land.

Iowa

• Estimated population size: 12,000 to 13,000
• Hunting permitted: Yes. Hunting or furharvester license required
• Hunting season: Year-round

With around 12,000 to 13,000 coyotes in Iowa, the state ranks among those with the smallest coyote populations in the US. 

Sightings are common but conflicts are rare. This doesn’t mean that coyotes aren’t perceived as a nuisance. 

They are, which is enough to justify a year-round coyote hunting season. However, harvesters need a valid hunting license or furharvester license to take down an animal.

Kansas

• Estimated population size: 150,000 to 300,000
• Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license or furharvester license required
• Hunting season: Year-round

Bragging with one of the largest populations of coyotes, Kansas is a state where spotting these animals in urban parks or in woodlands is easy.

In wilder areas where coyotes are not used to humans, conflicts are rare. Coyotes are generally shy and hunt alone, so they’ll likely back away. However, they can become a nuisance in urban and suburban areas. 

Trapping and hunting coyotes in Kansas is possible year-round as long as you have a valid hunting or furharvester license.

Kentucky 

• Estimated population size: 20,200 to 40,400
• Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required
• Hunting season: Year-round, during daylight hours only

With an adult coyote for each one to two square miles, Kentucky’s coyote population is easy to estimate at around 20,200 to 40,400 animals. 

The state doesn’t provide an official census, though, so there could actually be more coyotes in the state.

Despite not having exact numbers, Kentucky allows residents to hunt coyotes year-round. There is no bag limit, but hunting may only be done during daylight hours.

Louisiana

• Estimated population size: 52,370 to 104,740
• Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required
• Hunting season: Year-round during daylight hours

Similar to Kentucky, the Pelican State doesn’t provide an official census. However, the density is higher, of one to two coyotes per square mile. This brings the estimated coyote population size in Louisiana to 52,370 to 104,740. 

Coyote sightings are frequently reported in the state. However, the authorities advise that misidentifications between coyotes and red wolves – another resident of the state – are common. This is why coyotes may only be taken down during daylight hours. 

Learning how to tell between coyotes and red wolves could also help manage wildlife in the most appropriate way.

Maine

• Estimated population size: 15,000
• Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required and special permit for night hunting
• Hunting season: Year-round (daylight hunting); Dec to Aug (night hunting)

Maine has a thriving population of eastern coyotes with around 15,000 animals. They are the only type of wild canids in the state, since gray wolves have been extirpated since the 1890s. 

Coyote sightings are common here, but conflicts are not. Most conflicts in Maine are the result of interactions between humans and coyotes, such as feeding the coyotes or easy access to garbage. 

Despite that, coyotes are still considered a nuisance and can be harvested year-round during daytime. Night hunting is also possible, usually from December to August.

Maryland

• Estimated population size: Unknown
• Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required 
• Hunting season: Year-round

The size of Maryland’s coyote population is unknown, but experts believe it’s in the thousands. There are no census data or official studies regarding coyote’s density in the state.

But official data is not needed to figure out that there are plenty of coyotes around. Sightings are very common, and people also complain about conflicts.

Maryland allows landowners to take down coyotes that threaten their property or livestock. A year-round hunting season is also in place for those who want to hunt or trap coyotes on public land.

Massachusetts 

• Estimated population size: 12,000
• Hunting permitted: Yes. Appropriate hunting license and permit required 
• Hunting season: Year-round

The coyote population in Massachusetts is now well-established and growing. However, things haven’t always been this way.

Up until a decade or so ago, the state had very few coyotes. Wildlife management practices and the coyote’s adaptability made it easy to restore the population, though. 

Today, there are around 12,000 coyotes in the state. Most of them live in woodlands or prairies, but in true coyote fashion, there are also plenty of them in cities and suburbs.

Michigan

• Estimated population size: Unknown
• Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required unless on private land
• Hunting season: Year-round

Like Maryland, Michigan provides no official data regarding the density of population size of coyotes in the state. But sightings, conflict reports, and limited studies confirm that there is no shortage of them.

Coyotes are found in all of the state’s counties in wild areas, but also near agricultural fields and the suburbs. 

They also seem to become more and more confident and move toward the cities. To control the population, Michigan allows year-round hunting in all wildlife management zones. A permit is not required to take down a coyote threatening pets or livestock on private lands.

Minnesota

• Estimated population size: 14,490 to 28,980
• Hunting permitted: Yes. No hunting license required
• Hunting season: Year-round

The coyote population in Minnesota can see great fluctuations from one year to another, their density varying from one coyote every three miles to one coyote every five miles. Despite the lower density, there are an estimated 14,490 to 28,980 coyotes in the state.

However, coyotes are not a threat here. They mostly stay out of people’s way – even though they are present in urban and suburban environments. 

This doesn’t mean they are protected in any way, though. Minnesota considers coyotes a nuisance. The species is not protected and can be hunted or trapped year-round, even by people that don’t have a hunting license.

Mississippi 

• Estimated population size: 32,612 to 41,392
• Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required for hunting on public land
• Hunting season: Year-round

With a relatively low density of only 0.26 to 0.33 individuals per square kilometer, the population of coyotes in Mississippi doesn’t exceed 42,000. 

However, the population is stable and thriving. Coyotes are found in all counties and in most habitats, including city parks. 

Like most states, Mississippi considers them nuisance animals. They can be hunted year-round and landowners can kill or remove coyotes from their private properties even if they don’t have a license.

Missouri

• Estimated population size: Unknown
• Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license with trapping or small game permit 
• Hunting season: Year-round

Coyotes are plentiful in Missouri, even if there are no official census data or density numbers available from the state. 

Missouri’s coyote population is spread throughout the state and can be found in all habitats. There have never been registered attacks on humans, but conflicts with farmers are common.

Coyotes are opportunistic predators that take advantage of livestock and kitchen refuse. They could also go after pets.

Montana

• Estimated population size: Unknown
• Hunting permitted: Yes. No hunting license required 
• Hunting season: Year-round

While the population of coyotes in Montana is unknown (there are no official census or density data), coyotes are classified as predators in Montana. 

They can be found in all counties and habitats across the state, and can be hunted year-round by residents and non-residents. 

Since predator shooting is not regulated in the state, this means that anyone with or without a license can shoot at them.

Nebraska

• Estimated population size: 77,345 to 154,690
• Hunting permitted: Yes. Hunt permit required for nonresidents
• Hunting season: Year-round

Nebraska’s population of coyotes has a density of one to two animals per square mile, which means around 77,345 to 154,690 individuals. 

Similar to Montana, coyotes are classified as predators in Nebraska. Residents don’t need a permit to hunt them year-round. 

Nonresidents are required to have a valid hunting license or small game hunting permit.

Nevada

• Estimated population size: 55,000 to 110,000
• Hunting permitted: Yes. Hunting license not required 
• Hunting season: Year-round

The stable coyote population in Nevada thrives in the state despite the arid landscape. These predators feed on small mammals and reptiles, as well as other types of wildlife available in the desert.

In Nevada, too, coyotes are classified as predators and often considered pests. 

They are opportunistic and often wander around suburbs and cities in search of easy prey (such as livestock or pets). Thus, there are many sightings and conflict reports. 

New Hampshire

• Estimated population size: 4,500
• Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required.
• Hunting season: Year-round 

New Hampshire has one of the smallest coyote populations in the States. There are only 4,500 coyotes here, but enough to become a nuisance.

As you’d expect from an opportunistic species, they are found in all habitats. Not only do they take advantage of easy food access, but there have even been reported attacks.

Hunting coyotes in New Hampshire is possible year-round, but a valid hunting license is required for all types of animals.

New Jersey

• Estimated population size: 4,000 to 6,000
• Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required
• Hunting season: Oct to Mar 

New Jersey is one of the few states with regulated coyote hunting. The season in this state is not open year-round, but coincides with the fox season that usually runs from October to March.

Yet, the state’s coyote population is likely larger than New Hampshire’s, with around 4,000 to 6,000 individuals.

While coyotes are found in all counties and habitats in New Jersey, conflicts are rare and there have been reported no attacks.

New Mexico

• Estimated population size: 125,000
• Hunting permitted: Yes. 
• Hunting season: Year-round

New Mexico’s coyote population is in the thousands, but the state provides no official census data or density numbers. 

According to the Wildlife Department, though, around 10,000 coyotes are hunted in New Mexico each year, which is around eight percent of the state’s total population. 

Thus, we can assume the actual number of coyotes in New Mexico is around 125,000. 

New York

• Estimated population size: 20,000 to 30,000
• Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required 
• Hunting season: Year-round

The coyote population in New York is estimated between 20,000 and 30,000 individuals. This is one of the few states that has a census, even though numbers can change quickly when it comes to this species.

That’s because a coyote female can have up to seven or eight pups per litter, making it very easy to grow a pack and the population size as a whole.

Similar to most states, coyotes are easy to spot in all New York counties and they are considered a nuisance. However, there have been reported few conflicts and no attacks.

North Carolina

• Estimated population size: 51,905
• Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required unless on private land
• Hunting season: Year-round

North Carolina’s coyote population is estimated around 51,905 individuals – enough for them to be considered a nuisance. 

Not only are coyotes present in all habitats, but they are a threat to livestock and small pets. Attacks on humans are very rare, but the risk is there nonetheless.

Thus, North Carolina, like all other states, allows landowners to take out coyotes all year round. However, only trapping is legal during night time.

North Dakota

• Estimated population size: Unknown
• Hunting permitted: Yes. Furbearer and non-game license required
• Hunting season: Year-round

With no coyote population size estimates, North Dakota can’t actually say how abundant this species is on its territory. But this doesn’t stop the state from considering coyotes a nuisance. 

This is quite the conflict with the Game and Fish department that claims coyotes in North Dakota are not a threat for the population. While sightings are common, no conflicts have been registered. 

That said, hunting coyotes in the state is possible year-round, but a license is required.

Ohio

• Estimated population size: Unknown
• Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required 
• Hunting season: Year-round

Like North Carolina, Ohio has no census or other official data to help estimate the coyote population size in the state. 

There is no doubt that the species is thriving in Ohio, though.

Coyote sightings have been reported in all counties. Conflicts are also on the rise, most of them involving concerns about livestock and pets. Attacks on humans are very rare, but you might want to keep an eye on small children if you live near a large park or the woodlands.

Oklahoma

• Estimated population size: 768 to 2,700
• Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required.
• Hunting season: Year-round

While Oklahoma’s coyote population is small compared to most other states, they are still considered abundant in the Sooner State.

The largest coyote population is concentrated around the central area of the state, where sightings are commonly reported in urban areas – including large cities. 

Attacks are very rare, but conflicts are common. Most reports or nuisances involve coyotes going through unsecured garbage bins or targeting pets and livestock.

Oregon

• Estimated population size: 83,695
• Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required
• Hunting season: Year-round

Oregon’s coyote population is 30 times the size of Oklahoma’s, but conflicts seem to be under control in the Beaver State.

This doesn’t come as a surprise. Oregon is home to hundreds of state parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, grasslands, and other scenic areas where coyotes live away from human settlements. 

That’s not to say there aren’t coyotes in Oregon’s urban areas. There are, but unless habituated to humans, they are rather shy and pose a minimal risk to humans.

Pennsylvania

• Estimated population size: 100,000
• Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license or furtaker license required
• Hunting season: Year-round

Pennsylvania’s coyote population is only slightly larger compared to Oregon, but the situation here is different as far as conflicts are concerned. 

Reports seem to be on the rise, and attacks are becoming more common, especially in the northeast area of the state. 

While coyotes are considered nuisance animals, their hunting in Pennsylvania is regulated. The season is open year-round, but only hunters possessing a valid license or a furtaker license can hunt them.

Rhode Island

• Estimated population size: 3,642 to 6,070
• Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license or furtaker license required
• Hunting season: Year-round

The number of coyotes in Rhode Island can seem small compared to Pennsylvania and many other states. However, considering the actual size of the state, the density of coyotes is three to five per square mile – one of the highest in the entire US. 

Despite their large numbers, coyotes are classified as protected furbearers in Rhode Island. There is no close season, but hunting can only be done with a valid hunting license. 

Other restrictions may apply based on period and the wildlife management area.

South Carolina

• Estimated population size: Unknown
• Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required
• Hunting season: Year-round

The size of South Carolina’s coyote population is unknown, but sighting and conflict reports confirm they are thriving in all areas of the state.

Sightings are mostly reported in warmer months. Conflicts tend to increase during fall and winter, when prey becomes less abundant.

Since coyotes are not native to the state, they are classified as a nuisance and can be hunted year-round by anyone with a valid license.

South Dakota

• Estimated population size: 70,000 to 75,000
• Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required 
• Hunting season: Year-round

There are around 70,000 to 75,000 coyotes in South Dakota, most of them living in the western two-thirds of the state.

These areas offer large wooded areas and river drainage where prey is abundant. It goes without saying, though, that coyotes are also found in urban and suburban areas. 

Hunting coyotes in South Dakota is regulated, and a valid hunting license is required for the purpose.

Tennessee 

• Estimated population size: 38,202
• Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required
• Hunting season: Year-round

Tennessee’s coyote population and density could seem lower compared to other states; yet, this species is abundant.

Proof to this are the increasing reports of sightings and conflicts, above all in the suburban and agricultural areas. 

Farmers can take as many coyotes as they need to protect their livestock, and there is no bag limit for hunting either. However, hunting is limited to daylight hours and requires a valid license.

Texas 

• Estimated population size: 859,510
• Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required unless hunting depredating coyotes on private property
• Hunting season: Year-round

Texas is one of the states that brags with an abundant population of coyotes – around 859,510, to be more precise. 

That isn’t exactly surprising. Texas is a largely agricultural state, with 248,416 farms and ranches covering 127 million acres. Beyond farmlands, the state also boasts numerous natural areas where coyotes can thrive.

Although classified as nuisance animals, coyotes can only be hunted by licensed hunters in Texas. The only exception is hunting on private land (either your own or with a landowner’s authorization), if you’re after depredating coyotes.

Utah

• Estimated population size: Unknown
• Hunting permitted: Yes. No hunting license required 
• Hunting season: Year-round

Utah is one of the states with an unknown coyote population size. The state provides no census data or coyote density map. 

Despite that, coyotes are classified as predators, and anyone can participate in the state’s initiatives to control the population. 

Hunting can be done without any kind of license, but you may need a license if you want to trap coyotes. 

Vermont

• Estimated population size: 1,000 to 5,000
• Hunting permitted: Yes. Hunting license required 
• Hunting season: Year-round

Coyotes are among the largest predators in Vermont, a state where the coyote population size doesn’t exceed 5,000. 

While still considered a nuisance, the Wildlife Department tries to inform citizens about the important role coyotes play in the ecosystem.

Nevertheless, the state has a year-round open hunting season, and coyotes can be hunted both by day and by night (without the use of light). 

Virginia

• Estimated population size: 50,000
• Hunting permitted: Yes. No license required
• Hunting season: Year-round

Virginia’s coyote population is estimated around 50,000 individuals. Similar to many states, coyotes are present in all environments and considered a nuisance. 

As such, there are no restrictions on coyote hunts. Anyone can go after a coyote, whether or not they have a hunting license.

There are no bag limits either, and the season is open year-round. Despite these wildlife control attempts, sightings and conflict reports seem to increase.

Washington

• Estimated population size: 50,000
• Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required 
• Hunting season: Year-round

Washington has a mid-sized population of coyotes based on other states’ standards, but these predators are still abundant.

Coyotes can be found in all habitats and environments, from the woodlands all the way to urban parks. 

While sightings and conflict reports are on the rise, the relationship between coyotes and humans is somewhat peaceful in the state. There haven’t been any reported attacks for almost two decades.

West Virginia

• Estimated population size: 11,000 to 12,000
• Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required 
• Hunting season: Year-round

West Virginia has a small population of coyotes compared to other states, but it still brags with over 10,000 animals.

The human-beast relationship in West Virginia is similar to most other states. Coyotes are found in all environments and could be a threat for pets and livestock.

Hunting is permitted year-round, but a hunting license is required. Nighttime hunting with a light is also permitted on private property from September to December, but the landowner must notify the local Natural Resources Police Officer or District Office.

Wisconsin 

• Estimated population size: 17,000 to 20,000
• Hunting permitted: Yes. Small game license required
• Hunting season: Year-round 

Wisconsin’s coyote population is slightly larger than West Virginia’s, but still small compared to other states. Nevertheless, coyotes thrive in this state.

They are distributed statewide and thrive in both wild habitats and near human settlements. 

Coyotes habituated to humans are notorious for trespassing into yards attracted by garbage bins and compost piles. They may also go after small pets or livestock.

Wyoming

• Estimated population size: 86,000
• Hunting permitted: Yes. No license required 
• Hunting season: Year-round

The last state on the list, Wyoming has a population of coyotes of around 86,000 individuals. They live in all habitats and are evenly distributed across the counties.

In an attempt to control wildlife, the state allows year-round coyote hunting even without a license. 

However, despite the number of coyotes roaming the state, attacks on humans are rare and mostly the result of the predators being provoked.

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Coyote Identification 

Coyotes are the only type of wild canids living in some states, whereas they could share a territory with wolves and foxes in other states.

Mistaking a coyote for a dog is also possible if you don’t know what to look out for.

Coyotes, regardless of the subspecies, typically have light gray and brown fur. They are about 1.5 feet tall and 4 feet long, even if telling the size from a distance could be challenging.

The long snout, bushy tail, and tall, pointed ears – together with the fur color – are the simplest ways to identify a coyote from a distance.

Coyote tracks are about the size of an egg and typically thinner and more oval compared to wolf, fox, or dog tracks.

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What To Do In Case Of Encounter

Coyotes are typically shy and back away when coming across humans. However, you shouldn’t underestimate them. Coyotes are powerful predators that could put your life in danger. 

If you come across one: 

• Stand as tall as you can and clap your hands loudly.
• Pick up small children and pets and control your large pets. Coyotes typically hunt alone, but they are still stronger than most dogs. A dog of any size would have little chances of survival when faced with a coyote pack.
• Maintain eye contact with the coyote at all times and shout loudly.
• If the coyote continues to approach, back away slowly (without breaking eye contact) and try to find shelter in a building or car.
• If you can’t find shelter, throw sticks or rocks at the coyote.
• Don’t turn your back and don’t try to run. This would trigger the coyote’s natural instinct to attack.