KDFWR says expect more coyote sightings in rural and urban areas

FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) – The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) says increased sightings of coyotes may occur this winter and spring in rural and urban areas across Kentucky as coyotes roam more to search for mates, establish territories and raise pups.

They note coyote winter mating season typically lasts into March, while pup rearing takes place in spring and early summer.

“People may worry when they think there are coyotes living near them, but there’s usually no cause for alarm if you see one,” said Laura Palmer, KDFWR wildlife biologist. “Like other wildlife that live in and around neighborhoods and farms, and even in urban areas, coyotes are shy and will typically avoid humans.”

A member of the canine family, coyotes have been common in Kentucky for at least the past 50 years after spreading out across North America from the interior plains. Found in every state except Hawaii, and in every Kentucky county, most coyotes do not bother people, livestock or pets and most people do not even know coyotes are living near their homes.

Coyotes can live in any habitat from Alaska to Mexico, and have a varied diet consisting mostly of rodents, insects and fruit. They help maintain a natural balance in the ecosystem by providing natural rodent and insect control, scavenging and removing carrion from the environment, seed dispersal and more.

They are mostly monogamous and form lasting pair bonds to raise their pups in established territories. Although coyotes are generally timid and wary of people, encounters with people and pets can arise as they go about foraging, protecting their dens and feeding their pups.

“Don’t be afraid and don’t panic,” Palmer said. “There are many unfortunate misconceptions about coyotes, but conflicts can be easily avoided by having a basic understating of these wild animals.”

Most coyotes do not cause conflict, but the ones that do may be removed individually by a licensed nuisance wildlife control operator, when necessary. Coyotes may also be hunted year-round, with no limit, with the appropriate hunting license and as allowed by local ordinances. Information and resources are available on the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Coyotes webpage.