Winter is the time to look for coyotes in Missouri, from the city to the country.

These dog relatives are native to North America, and they spread as far as Alaska and the Panama Canal during the 20th century.

Meriwether Lewis described the coyotes as “little prairie wolves” in 1806, when the Lewis and Clark expedition noticed a group of coyotes barking and howling coyotes near their camp close to present-day St. Joseph, Missouri.

With their dog-like barks and howls, coyotes make themselves known in Missouri today. They hunt small animals like mice, rats and crickets and scavenge food like roadkill and trash.

Here’s what you should know about Missouri coyotes from Nate Bowersock, black bear and furbearer biologist with the Missouri Department of Conservation, whose specialty includes coyotes, foxes and badgers.

Why do I see more coyotes during the winter?

Both the environment and coyotes’ food sources mean it’s easier to spot them during the cooler months.

Since pups are bigger, they can roam with their parents looking for food. When squirrels, mice and rabbits struggle to find food in the winter, they are more likely to fall prey to a coyote’s advances.

After the leaves drop off the trees, it’s easier to see a coyote hiding in the woods.

Where in Missouri do coyotes live?

These canines can live in many environments, as long as there are small animals to eat and a patch of woods to hide in.

“Coyotes are just very well-adapted species, so they can live pretty much anywhere,” Bowersock said.

Coyotes live everywhere from remote Missouri farmland to the middle of the city. Bowersock said he’s heard reports of coyote sightings in downtown Kansas City and near the St. Louis airport.

“I almost hit one driving through the middle of Columbia the other day,” he said.

Coyotes thrive in urban areas because usually people can’t fire weapons within city limits, therefore they can’t hunt coyotes. Coyotes can also kill the prey that would have been eaten by larger predators that can’t live in cities, like bears.

How do I tell a coyote apart from a fox or wolf?

While all three dog-like animals live in Missouri, they have major differences that can help you tell them apart.

Bowersock said coyotes are known for their typically gray color, big pointy ears, long legs and long snout.

Coyotes are typically a foot and a half tall, about half as tall as an average wolf. However, a coyote’s size can be hard to determine when they have their fluffy winter fur, which makes them look larger than they are.

Unlike coyotes, both gray and red foxes have a splash of orange fur, Bowersock said.

What should I do if I see a coyote in the city?

Bowersock said to stay away from the coyote and don’t approach or feed it. Coyotes are usually scared of humans, so if an urban coyote approaches you, call your call your local Department of Conservation office.

Bowersock said to not be worried if there are coyotes in your town.

“I think, as a scientist and an ecologist, you know, they’re there because there’s a resource available to them. They wouldn’t be here if there wasn’t food for them and cover for them to utilize,” Bowersock said.

How can I keep coyotes off my land?

Lock up your livestock and pets overnight, Bowensock said. Putting animals in a chicken coop or barn will keep your small animals from becoming a snack for coyotes, Bowensock said. Smaller cats and dogs can fall victim to coyotes, but a predator is unlikely to kill an animal larger than itself.

If a coyote is causing problems, call your local Department of Conservation office, Bowersock said. They can put you in touch with a wildlife conflict biologist, who can help mitigate issues with the coyotes.

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