Coyote
Canis latrans
Coyotes now live in every Florida county, including urban areas.
Coyotes now live in every Florida county, including urban areas. Keep pets close, remove food, make noise, wave your arms, and never run from a bold coyote. Never poison wildlife. Trapping and lethal control must follow current Florida rules and local ordinances.
Habitat:
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Agricultural Areas, Urban and Residential Areas
Area / Range:
Statewide
Diet:
Rodents, rabbits, fruit, insects, carrion, reptiles, and unattended pet food.
Behavior:
Highly adaptable and usually avoids people. Individuals become bold when fed.
Day, Dawn, Dusk
Active Times:
Best time to see:
Observe from a respectful distance in suitable Florida habitat.
Florida Native Status:
Native
Conservation Status:
Established statewide
Safety Level:
Use Caution. Haze Bold Animals
Safety Information:
Keep pets close, remove food, make noise, wave your arms, and never run from a bold coyote.
Benefits to Property:
Controls rodents and removes carrion.
Property Concerns:
Small unattended pets, poultry, unsecured food, and trash face risk.
Fun Fact:
Coyotes now live in every Florida county, including urban areas.
Wildlife Laws:
Never poison wildlife. Trapping and lethal control must follow current Florida rules and local ordinances.
Identification:
Slender canine with pointed ears, a narrow muzzle, gray-brown coat, and bushy black-tipped tail.
Credits:
Facts: wildlife reference. Images: Wikimedia Commons.