Introduction to Coyotes
Historically, coyotes lived in open grasslands and prairies of the western United States and as far north as southwestern Canada.
Although many wildlife species, including the wolf, disappeared as people settled the land, coyotes found conditions favorable and flourished. Until the first half of the 1900s, coyotes lived mostly in the prairie region of the northern and western parts of Missouri. Responding to losses of livestock from farmers and ranchers, the Missouri legislature passed a bounty law on coyotes and wolves in 1825.
Bounties were paid with state funds until the end of 1968. Some counties continued to pay a small bounty for several more years.
Bounties, however, had little effect on the adaptable coyote. Starting in the 1950s, coyote populations increased dramatically and spread to the southern and eastern parts of Missouri. By the end of the 1970s, coyotes extended their range to all parts of Missouri, including the Bootheel.
Today coyotes can be found in North and Central America - from Alaska to central Mexico and from Newfoundland to Florida. Coyotes also are well populated throughout Missouri, including the outskirts of the major metropolitan areas of Kansas City, Springfield and St. Louis.
A bounty on coyotes provided
financial opportunities for hunters and trappers but had little
effect on coyote populations.
Persons living in urban or rural areas may see coyotes close to home. Many people welcome these valuable members of the wildlife community for the important role they play in reducing the rodent population.
Because of their close proximity to coyotes, many Missourians want to learn more about these "little prairie wolves," as members of the Lewis and Clark expedition called them - either to enjoy watching them, hear them howl or to learn how to take preventive measures to protect their property.
The first step in resolving conflicts between people and wildlife is an understanding of the wildlife species involved. This booklet is designed to help readers understand coyote behavior. It also offers preventative methods and nonlethal solutions to coyote problems. Lethal methods, which are often the best short-term control options, also are included.
