Coyotes are not new Cape Lookout. They have been able to adapt to live on barrier islands. For this reason, you may find coyotes wandering populated beaches. Coyotes are active both day and night, but most active during evenings and mornings. Coyotes are not going away; therefore, we must learn to coexist with the animal in a safe manner. Continue reading below to discover some quick facts about coyotes and how to prevent conflict and habituation. More information about the coyotes on Cape Lookout can be found in the 2025 Coyote Ecology and Management on the Barrier Islands of North Carolina Report.
Coyotes were once found only in the mid-western portion of North America. But as Europeans settled across the country, the subsequent landscape changes, couple with the elimination of wolves, allowed the coyote to expand its range toward the eastern United States. By the 1980s coyotes started to appear in western North Carolina because of natural range expansion from our neighboring states. Coyotes are now established in all 100 counties of North Carolina and live in many towns and villages.
Often described as a "mangy looking dog," coyotes weigh about 20-25 pounds (like a mid-size dog) with, typically, reddish to dark thick gray fur. They have long slender snouts, a bushy and black-tipped tail, and pointed ears.
Yes, coyotes howl. While some find it unnerving, this howl serves many purposes, none of which are malicious. If you hear a family of coyotes howling, it is easy to think that the area is overflowing with coyotes. In reality, there are usually only 2-6 coyotes, including the pups.
Attacks on people, including children, are extremely rare. Normal coyote behavior is to be curious, but wary, when close to humans. Like other wildlife, they will become bold and habituated if people feed them, either purposely or inadvertently, such as with garbage or outdoor pet food. They rarely contract rabies.
Possibly. Coyotes view outdoor cats and small unleased dogs as prey, while larger dogs are viewed as threats to their territory and/or their pups. Coyotes are most likely to confront larger dogs during the mating and pup birthing period, January through June.
Simply seeing a coyote is not cause for concern. If you see a coyote frequently, you should take steps to prevent conflicts with it and other wildlife.
Preventing Conflicts with CoyotesTo prevent problems with coyotes: Secure garbage while camping and take trash with you once you leave the island. Do not feed or try to pet coyotes. Feeding a coyote rewards it for coming in close proximity to people. Once a coyote becomes habituated, it loses its natural wariness of people and may become bold and aggressive. Protect your pets by keeping them on a leash. Coyotes are attracted to small animals congregating on the ground. Don't be intimidated by a coyote. Maintain its wariness by throwing a small object, such as a tennis ball, at it, making a loud noise, or spraying it with a hose. Let it know it is unwelcome near your home. |
Last updated: June 12, 2026