Late in the evening far in the distance, you may have seen a lone dog, or was it a wolf? In the District it wasn’t a wolf, and most likely not a dog, but a coyote! The mid-Atlantic isn’t the wild west, and with the decrease in apex predators such as mountain lions and wolves, the Eastern coyote has expanded its range, entering our area within the past decades.
First identified in Rock Creek Park in 2004, sightings have increased over time, but the population of coyotes in DC is not thought to be large. Eastern coyotes are not all coyote: they are descendants of coyotes in Canada that have some interbreeding with wolves and domestic dogs. That said, they are still mostly coyote and are certainly not domesticated!
Local coyotes aren’t large; they weigh between 25 and 45 pounds; appearing larger than similar-sized dogs due to sometimes bushy haircoats and long legs. The average golden retriever is about 70 pounds, so they are quite small in comparison. As for their diet, they aren’t picky and change their feeding with the season, trash aside, of course. Small birds and mammals, along with insects, roadkill, berries, persimmon, and other plants make up the bulk of their nutrition.
Their mating season is the winter, from December to March, and gestation is about the same as a dog: 60-65 days. Pups are born around March to May in a den, similar to foxes and bear. Home for a coyote here could be in a hollow log, cave in rocks, a crawl space of a building or under a garage.
Haven’t seen one? Most of us haven’t. They are generally shy and avoid people, but you may hear their howls. Living up to 20 years in captivity, and about six to eight in the wild, they learn their environment well, establishing routines within their territories. It’s not unusual to have familiar individuals in an area. Don’t panic if you are in Rock Creek Park and see a coyote during the day; they are diurnal and can be active at any time. The dense urban habitat of our city does put them into contact with people more than in rural areas, and over time, they may become less fearful, increasing interactions.
Coyotes are our neighbors and it’s important to respect their wild nature. They aren’t dogs and should not be approached as such. If out and about and you cross paths with one, wave your arms and make noise, letting them know you are present. Being naturally shy, the coyotes should remove themselves from the situation and walk away. Remember that they are wild animals; be cognizant of your trash and never purposely feed them. Giving them food may habituate them to humans, depriving them of a more wholesome diet and increasing human / coyote interactions.
Although nationally coyote interactions with people are rare, a coyote sees no difference between a small dog and a cat vs normal prey foods. It’s nothing personal, but a small animal is just that, a potential meal. Cats and dogs under 30 pounds should not be left unattended outside, even in a fenced yard. Always use a leash, especially in wooded areas or adjacent areas; this is of prime importance in the evening! If walking a small dog and a coyote is around, pick up your dog and make noise. This should be enough to deter the coyote.
Accidents and interactions do happen. If there’s an injured coyote, call the Brandywine SPCA, the contractor for DC’s animal control, at 202-888-7387; they will help assess the situation and provide assistance or guidance. For more information and to report sightings, see The District Coyote Project at districtcoyotes.org.
Dan Teich, DVM, is the Founder of District Veterinary Hospitals
