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12 states seeing the fastest coyote population growth

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Coyote in the meadow.

Where coyotes are popping up the most across the U.S.

Coyotes are quietly spreading across the United States, appearing in places you might not expect. From deserts to city edges, these adaptable canines are thriving in diverse environments.

But which states are seeing the fastest growth, and what does that mean for people and wildlife alike? Dive in to uncover the surprising range and presence of coyotes across America.

Texas field at sunrise.

Texas coyote population leads the nation

Texas has the largest estimated coyote population in the United States, with about 859,510 individuals according to recent state rankings and wildlife data. These animals are common across rural plains, brushland, forests, and mixed habitats throughout the state.

Coyotes in Texas are legally hunted year‑round, which reflects how abundant they are and how state wildlife managers treat them. Their presence throughout diverse habitats highlights their adaptability to multiple environments.

A dusty road through Joshua tree national park in California.

California supports a high number of coyotes statewide

California ranks near the top for coyote numbers, with an estimated 250,000 to 750,000 animals living across the state’s varied terrain from deserts to woodlands. These estimates come from wildlife population studies and comprehensive state comparisons, indicating large overall numbers.

Coyotes are common in both wild lands and human‑adapted environments like agricultural edges and open parks throughout California. Their widespread occurrence reflects deep adaptation but not a measured growth rate over time in official data.

Saguaro cactus landscape in Saguaro national park Arizona.

Arizona’s desert and grassland coyotes are widespread

Arizona has an estimated 200,000 coyotes distributed across its desert plains, grasslands, and shrub country, where food resources support stable populations. These figures are based on recent state‑by‑state wildlife population summaries.

Coyotes in Arizona are classified as common, meaning they are frequently encountered and widely distributed throughout the state’s ecosystem types. They inhabit both remote areas and the edges of agricultural lands.

Konza prairie nature trails near Manhattan Kansas.

Kansas hosts a large coyote population in prairie landscapes

Kansas is estimated to have between 150,000 and 300,000 coyotes, making it one of the states with high total numbers of these canids. This estimate reflects their broad adaptation to prairie, agricultural areas, and mixed grassland habitats.

Coyotes in Kansas are considered common throughout the state, indicating that these animals occupy landscapes from wide open fields to pasture edges. Their numbers show how well they thrive in central plains environments.

White clouds during sunset over white sands in New Mexico.

New Mexico’s coyotes occur widely across varied terrain

New Mexico’s estimated coyote population of about 125,000 is based on recent wildlife summaries that compare state populations. Coyotes are found across deserts, mountain foothills, and open lands in this Southwestern state.

These canids are classified as common, meaning they are regularly observed throughout a range of habitats. Their presence in multiple terrain types highlights their adaptability but does not indicate formal growth trends.

Colorful sunset in Eureka springs Arkansas.

Arkansas coyotes are common across forests and fields

Arkansas has an estimated 106,360 to 212,720 coyotes living across its forests, wetland edges, and grasslands, according to wildlife population estimates. Coyotes are common in this state and appear in most counties, making them a well‑established species.

These animals are present in a range of natural and managed landscapes, indicating broad ecological tolerance. Hunting seasons and management reflect their prevalence and adaptability in Arkansas.

Coyote on a spring day.

Pennsylvania’s large coyote numbers reflect wide distribution

Pennsylvania is home to around 100,000 coyotes, making it one of the states with substantial coyote populations in the Eastern United States. These numbers are based on recent comparative population rankings across states compiled by wildlife researchers.

Coyotes are found in forested uplands, agricultural zones, and habitat edges, showing their ability to live in varied environments. Their presence in every county indicates they are firmly established statewide.

Forest trail in the misty autumn morning.

Georgia’s coyotes are distributed throughout diverse habitats

Georgia’s coyote population is estimated at about 90,000 animals, according to state population estimates that compare numbers across the country. Coyotes are common in both forested areas and open agricultural or rural lands.

This widespread distribution shows that these canids inhabit many ecosystem types across the state. They are not rare or localized but instead appear in a broad range of settings.

Coyote standing on a rock.

Wyoming’s coyotes occur across remote and wild landscapes

Wyoming’s coyote population is estimated at approximately 86,000 individuals, according to the latest state distribution estimates. Coyotes are described as common throughout much of the state’s grasslands, shrublands, and foothills.

These animals are widely present in Wyoming’s natural areas, reflecting their capacity to exploit available prey and habitat. Their distribution across the state underscores their adaptability to rural and wild conditions.

Mount bachelor and Hosmer lake in central Oregon.

Oregon’s coyotes inhabit multiple habitats statewide

Oregon has around 83,695 coyotes according to current state population summaries, placing them among the more numerous carnivores in the region. These animals occur in grasslands, forests, and near open landscapes throughout the state.

Coyotes are labeled as common in Oregon, meaning they are frequently found in both rural and semi‑natural settings. Their range reflects broad ecological tolerance but not formal growth estimates over time.

Sunset over Nebraska sandhills at Nebraska national forest aerial view.

Nebraska supports a substantial coyote population

The coyote population in Nebraska is estimated between 77,345 and 154,690, based on recent national comparisons of state totals. This range reflects their presence in prairie, woodland edges, and rural regions.

Coyotes are considered common in Nebraska, where they use grasslands and agricultural lands for food and cover. Their estimated numbers show these animals are well established.

The internet is also talking about where grizzly bears are most commonly found in the U.S.

Aerial view of South Dakota.

South Dakota coyotes occur across prairie and wildlands

South Dakota is estimated to have about 70,000 to 75,000 coyotes according to current state population data. These animals live throughout grassland prairies, shrublands, and open country habitats.

Coyotes are noted as common in this state, indicating they are regularly found across many landscape types. Their presence speaks to how broadly they occupy the region’s natural spaces.

In other news, here are the U.S. states with the biggest black bear populations.

Coyotes are fascinating creatures that continue to adapt across the U.S. Did you learn something new about their populations and habitats? Comment down below!

This slideshow was created with AI assistance and human editing.

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John Ghost is a professional writer and SEO director. He graduated from Arizona State University with a BA in English (Writing, Rhetorics, and Literacies). As he prepares for graduate school to become an English professor, he writes weird fiction, plays his guitars, and enjoys spending time with his wife and daughters. He lives in the Valley of the Sun. Learn more about John on Muck Rack.

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