Wild Neighbors: Coyote

{In this ongoing series, “Wild Neighbors”, we take a closer look at the wild animals that share our neighborhoods and natural spaces here in Sangamon County. From the skies to the waters, and everything in between, these creatures play vital roles in the ecosystems around us.}

The Coyote is a wild canid that has become increasingly common in both the rural farmlands and suburban areas of Sangamon County. With their bushy tails, pointed ears, and narrow faces, Coyotes are a familiar sight in the county’s open fields and wooded areas. While they are often associated with the wilderness, they have adapted well to human presence and are increasingly seen in urban areas, where they scavenge for food. Coyotes are highly adaptable and resourceful, thriving in a wide variety of habitats.

Coyotes are opportunistic predators, feeding on small mammals such as rabbits, rodents, and squirrels, as well as fruit, insects, and garbage. Their ability to adapt their diet to whatever is available makes them resilient in different environments, from farmland to suburban neighborhoods. Coyotes are also social animals, often hunting in pairs or small family groups, but they can also be seen alone, particularly during the winter months when food is scarcer.

Despite their increasing presence in Sangamon County, Coyotes generally avoid human interaction and tend to keep to themselves. They are most active at dawn and dusk, and their haunting, high-pitched howls can sometimes be heard echoing through the night. While their presence may be unsettling to some, Coyotes play an important role in controlling populations of small mammals and maintaining the balance of local ecosystems.