Coyotes are clever, curious, and increasingly common in suburban backyards. In these 15 states, they roam free—and sometimes a little too close for comfort. Whether you’re hearing howls at night or spotting one near the fence line, it’s time to take action.
Here’s where coyote activity is highest and how you can protect your home, yard, pets, and peace of mind from these wily wanderers.
1. California’s Coyote Country
California’s diverse landscape provides perfect habitat for one of the largest coyote populations in America. From the deserts to suburban neighborhoods in Los Angeles and San Francisco, these adaptable predators thrive throughout the state.
Residents should eliminate food sources by securing garbage cans with locking lids and bringing pet food indoors at night. Install motion-activated sprinklers or lights to startle approaching coyotes. A 6-foot fence with a roller bar or wire extension at the top can block most jumping attempts.
2. Texas’ Wide Open Spaces
Across Texas’ vast prairies and rangelands, coyotes roam freely, often venturing into suburban areas around Dallas, Houston, and Austin. Ranchers face constant challenges protecting livestock, while homeowners worry about pets.
Texans should never leave small pets unattended outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk when coyotes are most active. Clearing brush piles and dense vegetation eliminates hiding spots. Consider installing coyote rollers on fencing—cylindrical devices that prevent coyotes from gaining traction when attempting to climb over.
3. Arizona’s Desert Dwellers
Arizona’s arid landscape is prime coyote territory, with these resourceful animals thriving from the Sonoran Desert to Phoenix suburbs. Urban expansion has pushed humans and coyotes into closer contact than ever before.
Hazing techniques work well in Arizona—make loud noises, wave arms, or spray water to teach coyotes to fear humans. Never run from a coyote as this may trigger their chase instinct. Remove fallen fruit from trees and bird feeders that attract rodents, which in turn attract hungry coyotes looking for an easy meal.
4. Colorado’s Mountain Predators
From the Rocky Mountains to Denver’s outskirts, Colorado’s coyotes have adapted to varied elevations and environments. Urban coyotes in this state tend to be particularly bold, sometimes stalking joggers or pets in parks.
Walking dogs on short leashes is essential in Colorado’s coyote territory. Carry noise-making devices like air horns or whistle blowers during outdoor activities. Garden fencing should extend at least six inches underground to prevent digging, with a height of at least 6 feet to discourage jumping.
5. New Mexico’s Resourceful Hunters
New Mexico’s diverse terrain from high desert to mountain forests supports healthy coyote populations that frequently interact with rural communities and towns. These intelligent hunters have learned to navigate human landscapes with remarkable adaptability.
Residents should promptly remove roadkill or animal remains that might attract scavenging coyotes. Motion-activated outdoor lighting can deter nighttime visitors. Consider installing coyote-proof chicken coops with hardware cloth extending underground to protect valuable poultry from these persistent predators.
6. Oregon’s Coastal and Forest Coyotes
Oregon’s diverse ecosystems from coastal regions to dense forests harbor abundant coyote populations. Portland and Eugene residents regularly report urban coyote sightings, with these animals taking advantage of greenbelts and parks.
Supervise small children outdoors in areas with known coyote activity. Trim vegetation to reduce hiding spots and maintain visibility around your property. Ultrasonic devices that emit high-frequency sounds can discourage coyotes without disturbing humans, though their effectiveness varies and requires consistent repositioning to prevent habituation.
7. Washington State’s Urban Adapters
Washington’s coyotes thrive in environments ranging from Olympic rainforests to Seattle’s urban parks. These highly intelligent animals have learned to navigate city streets and suburban neighborhoods with remarkable skill.
Install motion-activated sprinklers that surprise approaching coyotes with bursts of water. Properly secure compost piles, which can attract rodents and subsequently coyotes. Washington residents should consider community coyote watch programs that track sightings and coordinate neighborhood response strategies to maintain consistent deterrence across adjoining properties.
8. Nevada’s Desert Survivors
Nevada’s harsh desert landscape hasn’t stopped coyotes from flourishing, with significant populations around Las Vegas and Reno. These resourceful predators have adapted to find water and food in seemingly inhospitable environments.
Desert property owners should avoid creating artificial water sources that attract wildlife. Properly secure garbage using wildlife-resistant containers, especially important in Nevada’s hot climate where food odors intensify. Consider installing predator guard lights—randomly flashing LED devices that mimic the eyes of larger predators—to create the impression of danger for approaching coyotes.
9. Utah’s Adaptable Predators
Utah’s diverse landscape from salt flats to mountain ranges supports thriving coyote populations. Salt Lake City suburbs experience frequent coyote encounters, especially in neighborhoods bordering natural areas.
Properly store animal feed in sealed containers to avoid attracting rodents that coyotes hunt. Consider installing coyote-specific deterrents like wolf urine perimeter sprays that trigger territorial avoidance instincts. Utah residents should maintain consistent hazing practices—never feed coyotes and always respond to sightings with noise and assertive behavior to maintain healthy fear of humans.
10. Illinois’ Prairie Prowlers
Illinois coyotes have adapted remarkably well to both Chicago’s urban sprawl and the state’s agricultural regions. These opportunistic hunters frequently patrol suburban neighborhoods searching for easy meals.
Install perimeter fencing with coyote rollers—rolling cylinders attached to fence tops that prevent coyotes from gaining climbing traction. Keep cats indoors, especially at night when coyotes are most active. Illinois homeowners should consider motion-activated audio deterrents that emit sounds of larger predators or human activity when triggered by approaching wildlife.
11. New York’s Expanding Population
New York’s coyote population has grown dramatically, with these adaptable predators establishing territories from rural upstate regions to surprisingly urban areas. Even Central Park has documented coyote sightings in recent years.
Never allow pets to roam freely in coyote territory, especially small dogs that resemble natural prey. Clear fallen fruit from trees and secure bird feeders that attract small animals coyotes hunt. New York residents should consider installing perimeter fencing that extends at least 18 inches underground with outward-facing L-footers to prevent digging under barriers.
12. Florida’s Surprising Coyote Surge
Florida’s coyote population has exploded in recent decades, spreading throughout the state including suburban areas around Miami and Orlando. These adaptable predators have filled ecological niches left by declining native predator populations.
Install motion-activated lights around property perimeters to discourage nighttime coyote activity. Properly secure pet doors at night to prevent curious coyotes from entering homes. Florida’s unique ecosystem requires special attention to water features—ornamental ponds and pools should have restricted access to prevent coyotes from establishing them as watering holes.
13. Michigan’s Woodland Hunters
Michigan’s forests and farmlands provide ideal habitat for coyotes, with populations expanding into suburban areas around Detroit and Grand Rapids. These resourceful predators have adapted to northern winters and urban environments alike.
Install protective fencing around gardens and compost areas that might attract coyotes searching for rodents. Never feed wildlife intentionally or unintentionally by leaving pet food outdoors. Michigan homeowners should consider installing coyote-proof enclosures for small livestock like chickens, using heavy-gauge wire that extends underground to prevent digging access.
14. Georgia’s Southern Coyotes
Georgia’s mix of forests, farmland, and growing suburban areas has allowed coyotes to thrive throughout the state. Atlanta’s suburbs regularly report coyote sightings in parks and residential neighborhoods.
Remove brush piles and dense vegetation that provide hiding places near homes. Properly secure garbage cans with locking lids to prevent scavenging. Georgia’s climate supports year-round coyote activity, so residents should maintain vigilance during all seasons, including installing motion-activated sprinklers that can deter coyotes with sudden bursts of water.
15. Ohio’s Farmland Predators
Ohio’s agricultural landscape interspersed with woodlots provides perfect coyote habitat, with populations established throughout the state. Columbus and Cincinnati suburbs regularly experience coyote encounters, especially in areas bordering parks or undeveloped land.
Properly secure livestock in predator-proof enclosures, particularly during calving or lambing seasons. Install motion-activated alarms that combine lights and sounds to create multi-sensory deterrents. Ohio homeowners should consider guard animals like donkeys or certain dog breeds that naturally deter coyotes from approaching properties with livestock.