Coyotes, often misunderstood, are intricate social beings with a rich cultural background that predates the arrival of European settlers in the United States.

Growing up in Northern California, I was always conscious of the delicate balance between urban life and nature. My childhood neighborhood was in the midst of development; with each new project, rattlesnakes appeared in yards, searching for new homes. Wild turkeys would stroll the streets as I waited for the school bus. I recall one day, while jumping on a friend's trampoline, locking eyes with two deer navigating through the blackberry bushes that served as a makeshift fence.

Coyotes were a constant in my life. My mother pronounced their name as “KAH-yotes,” a reflection of her own upbringing. During warm summer evenings, we would leave the windows open and listen to their calls. Sometimes, we would drive to the edge of suburbia — a short distance, as my grandparents could walk there — and sit quietly in the car, captivated by what sounded like sirens or ghostly wails.

For me, coyotes represent home. In Chicago, when I see them, it feels like receiving a message from a bygone era. The prairies we once visited in my hometown have largely been transformed into shopping centers. This urban expansion is not unique to Sacramento; projections indicate that urban land will triple in size from 2000 to 2050. However, rather than reducing their habitat, this development has allowed coyotes to thrive. Historically located in the western U.S., they now inhabit every state except Hawaii and are found in all major cities across the continent. They have become one of the most frequently encountered species of urban wildlife, increasing the likelihood of interactions with humans.

These interactions often lead to negative portrayals in the media. In January, a coyote made headlines in Chicago after biting a 6-year-old boy near the Lincoln Park Zoo, inciting fear and a flurry of reported sightings throughout the city. The coyote was later captured and taken to a rehabilitation facility. Although this marked the first recorded coyote attack in the city in many years, a study from 2009 indicated that residents perceived coyotes as the greatest threat to their safety. In rural settings, they are often labeled as nuisances for preying on livestock and competing with hunters; last year, the Trump administration reinstated the Department of Agriculture's authorization to use cyanide traps against them.

Coyotes can produce around 12 different vocalizations to communicate with one another, convey emotions, assert dominance, or simply for enjoyment.

Yet, they are far more than the negative images that often surround them. Coyotes are intricate, social animals with a legacy that goes back to a time before European settlers arrived. Their resilience and adaptability are characteristics deserving of admiration.

Let's consider some fundamental facts about coyotes. While all coyotes belong to a single species, numerous subspecies exist across the United States, leading to diverse appearances. Coyotes found in higher elevations tend to be gray or black, while those in lower areas exhibit reddish or tawny fur. Their sizes also vary significantly; northern subspecies can weigh around 40 pounds, while southern ones are closer to 25 pounds. They are monogamous and typically remain with the same mate until one dies.

Dr. Marc Bekoff, a professor emeritus of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Colorado, explains, “Coyotes are incredibly adaptable and can live solitarily, as mated pairs, or in family groups that may include non-relatives. Young coyotes generally leave their families around nine months old, although this can vary based on food availability — if food is plentiful, they may stay together longer.”

In terms of diet, coyotes are generalists and opportunists, consuming a wide range of food sources. Dr. Stewart Breck, a wildlife biologist at the USDA National Wildlife Research Center, notes that this adaptability makes them well-suited for urban environments. They typically prey on rabbits, squirrels, geese, and small rodents, playing a vital role in maintaining these populations.

Despite the alarming headlines that arise when conflicts occur, Breck asserts, “Coyotes generally do not pose a significant threat to humans. A rare incident of a coyote biting a person typically stems from the animal losing its fear of humans, often due to being fed by people.”

However, coyotes can present a greater risk to pets. “Most conflicts between people and coyotes in urban areas involve domestic dogs and cats,” Breck adds.

This dynamic complicates the relationship between humans and coyotes. As a child, my grandfather once told me a bizarre story about how a lone coyote would entice a dog with mating promises, only to later surround and consume it.

Dr. Seth Magle, director of the Urban Wildlife Institute, acknowledges that there is some truth to this. “I've observed urban coyotes using play behavior to lure off-leash dogs, which can result in attacks. While these occurrences are rare, it’s wise to keep dogs leashed and close by when coyotes are nearby,” he advises.

Nonetheless, Magle believes that the fear and animosity directed toward coyotes are neither constructive nor justified. “Urban coyotes are inherently shy and prefer to avoid human interactions. While some may occasionally target a housecat, they generally steer clear of us,” he explains.

Breck offers strategies to minimize coyote encounters: “People can help prevent conflicts by refraining from feeding coyotes, feeding pets indoors, walking dogs on leashes, and scaring off any coyotes that come too close.”

It’s also important for me to weigh the threats posed by wild animals, including coyotes, against human-induced dangers, such as vehicles and poisons. While exact statistics are hard to come by, many veterinarians estimate that tens of thousands of dogs and cats suffer injuries or fatalities from car accidents each year in the U.S. Given the intense focus on coyotes, it seems logical that keeping pets away from roadways should be a higher priority.

“Coyotes aren’t dangerous when left alone, but it’s best to keep your distance when you encounter them, as their individual experiences can vary, and it’s crucial to respect their nature,” Bekoff concludes.

There is much to appreciate about coyotes. They are “intelligent and adaptable, which helps them thrive in rapidly changing urban settings,” Magle remarks. “For instance, researchers have noted urban coyotes checking for traffic before crossing streets.”

According to Magle, there are minimal ecological drawbacks to their presence in cities. While some researchers suspect that they may reduce local fox populations, they also help control the numbers of mice and squirrels.

“They are captivating and clever creatures, and just when you think you have them figured out, they surprise you,” he adds.

Bekoff shares that observing coyotes can be immensely enjoyable. “Overall, my students and I have relished watching them and learning about their individual behaviors and daily routines.”

“Watching pups play is as delightful as seeing dogs frolic with their friends,” he says.

“My favorite aspect of studying coyotes is when I realize that the coyote I've been trying to observe is, in fact, observing me,” Breck reflects. “There is nothing quite like recognizing that the coyote you’ve been trying to study has been watching you instead. They are intriguing and intelligent animals, and just when you think you understand them, they do something astonishing.”

“I firmly believe that in urban settings, they can assess individual humans and determine who poses a threat,” he adds.

When discussing how to create urban environments that are welcoming to wildlife, Magle notes, “This effort is still in its early stages, but certain principles are clear — we need spaces with natural vegetation, corridors for movement, and underpasses to help them navigate roads and traffic.”

“To ensure the long-term survival of wildlife on an increasingly urban planet, we must consider how to make cities that allow both people and animals to coexist,” he continues.

In rural areas, coyotes are often targeted to protect livestock and preserve deer and other game for hunters. However, some researchers argue that this practice is ineffective.

As conservation biologist Megan M. Draheim pointed out in The Conversation, verifying reports of livestock deaths caused by coyotes and other predators can be challenging.

“Even seasoned ranchers may struggle to ascertain whether a sheep was killed by a coyote or a dog (dogs are second only to coyotes in livestock predation) or died from other causes before being scavenged by coyotes,” she wrote.

Moreover, eliminating coyotes doesn’t yield the desired outcomes. Draheim referenced a study by research biologist Kim Murray Berger in 2006, which utilized statistical modeling to demonstrate that killing coyotes and other predators does not effectively prevent sheep losses. Other research indicates that culling coyotes does not safeguard mule deer populations.

“The advice I would give to people who encounter wildlife is to cherish that experience. There’s no need to fear — just show respect,” says Miles Falck, the wildlife section leader for the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, which serves 11 Ojibwe tribes across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan.

Falck, a wildlife biologist, emphasizes that while some people hunt coyotes for sport, the tribes he represents do not endorse this practice: “They view hunting not as sport or recreation, but as a subsistence activity carried out with respect.”

Whether in urban or rural settings, Falck concludes, “The advice I would offer to those who come across wildlife is to value that experience. There’s no reason to fear — just be respectful.”