Coyotes in Pennsylvania: Population, Common Locations, Hunting Rules, and More

Pennsylvania coyotes (Canis latrans) live primarily in rural locations. However, these animals are adaptable, and people encroaching on their habitats have forced them to learn to thrive in suburban and even urban locations.

The average adult male coyote weighs 45 to 55 pounds. Females weigh between 35 and 45 pounds. These animals form monogamous bonds and live in packs like families. A pack will have a mated pair as the leaders and their offspring.

How Many Coyotes Are In Pennsylvania?

The population of Pennsylvanian coyotes in 1990 reached 4,000, and it has been growing annually. These animals mate once a year between January and March. Their gestation period is between 60 and 63 days. An average litter of coyote pups will be four to seven. The pups remain with their mother until they are between 9 and 12 months old. Males leave between 6 and 9 months, and females remain with their mothers. At 12 months, they are ready to mate.

They have a lifespan of 13 to fifteen years. However, the majority live for 3 years. A female coyote will produce between 8 and 14 pups in three years. The steady population increase makes coyotes one of the most dangerous animals in Pennsylvania.

The Impact Of Coyotes In Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania coyote population impacts the area because these animals pose a threat to wildlife and farm animals. The coyote is a carnivore. They are opportunistic and hunt for whatever animal is available in their area. The coyote will eat rodents, rabbits, deer, birds, carrion, and foxes. The problem is that they will also attack sheep, goats, cattle, and family pets like dogs and cats.

Coyotes will attack animals that are larger than they are. They hunt in packs to overpower an animal as big as a cow. Coyotes will kill family pets, and a group of coyotes will attack a herd of animals even when a guard dog is present. According to researchers, coyote attacks on humans occur about 10 times per year.

Where In Pennsylvania Are Most Coyotes Found?

Pennsylvania coyotes are found all over the state. However, the largest concentrations are located in the state’s northern half. Populations of coyotes are higher in areas where deer populations are higher.

PA Counties With The Highest Coyote Populations

What To Do If A Coyote Approaches You

If you see a wild coyote, the animal usually avoids contact with you. If a coyote does not leave but lingers or moves toward you, do the following things to scare them away:

• Face them, and never turn your back on them.
• Hold your arms above your head to make yourself look bigger.
• Be loud, and yell at the animals.
• Throw items that are near you, like stones or sticks.
• If you are in your yard, spray them with a water hose.
• Back away slowly.

Report sightings and encounters with coyotes that show no fear to the authorities. Coyotes, unafraid of humans, are either diseased or have become a public danger.

Hunting Regulations On Coyotes in Pennsylvania

The PA Game Commission controls the hunting of coyotes in Pennsylvania. To hunt coyotes, you need a hunting license or a furbearer license. Coyotes are legal to hunt year-round in Pennsylvania. If you are hunting coyotes during a big game season, you must have a legal hunting permit for the big game that is in season.

The bag limit for coyotes in Pennsylvania is unlimited. All coyotes, regardless of size, age, or gender, can be hunted.

Nuisance Wildlife In Pennsylvania

• bats
• coyotes
• raccoons
• groundhogs
• foxes
• skunks

General Hunting License Requirements

• The completion of a state-approved Hunter Education Course is required of all hunters.
• You will pay $20.97 for an adult resident license.
• General hunting licenses require add-ons to hunt elk, bears, bobcats, and furbearers and to use archery equipment.

Coyote Hunting During Big Game Season Restrictions

• Hunters are required to wear fluorescent orange vests
• Weapons must be appropriate for the game in season
• Hunters must have unused tags for the appropriate game in season
• Hunting is permitted during the appropriate hours for the game that is in season
• Night hunting requires a fur trapper license.
• Electronic calls are permitted
• Dogs are allowed when hunting furbearers.

$25 Bounty On Pennsylvania Coyotes

No state has paid a bounty on a wild animal in the last 50 years. However, a current bill was proposed to the Pennsylvania Legislature to create a $25 bounty on coyotes. The House voted for the bill with 111 for and 78 against. It will now be up to the Senate to decide if the bill will pass.

Michael Peifer, the Pike County Representative, proposed the bounty to help control the growing population of coyotes in the state. This bill would allow state officials to pay licensed hunters and fur trappers a $25 bounty for each coyote they kill.

FAQs

Are coyotes nocturnal??

Coyotes are active at night; however, they are also active during the day. The term for the animals most active at dusk and dawn is crepuscular.

Why are coyotes called “song dogs”?

The coyote makes various noises, including yips, growls, whines, and howls. They are very vocal and use vocalization as a means of communication. Their varied noises earned them the moniker “song dogs.”

Are coyotes fast runners?

A coyote can reach an average speed of 40 mph (64 km). They can maintain their top speed for up to 30 minutes.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © JayPierstorff/Shutterstock.com