COYOTE HISTORY

The coyote (Canis latrans) has substantially expanded its geographical range throughout North America. As a highly adaptable and opportunistic animal, the coyote has increasingly become established in urban and suburban areas, where conflicts with people and pets have occurred with increasing frequency. (Coyote Attacks: An Increasing Suburban Problem)

Certainly the coyote is native to the United States. Multiple studies indicate the coyote has expanded its former range from the central plains area of the United States. 

Interestingly, Project Coyote, The Humane Society of the U.S. (HSUS) and the Urban Coyote Research program in Cook County, Illinois make similar references to a coyote Historical Range Map which indicates the coyotes original range being limited to that of the central plains area of the U.S.  

Coyotes have since extended their range from Central America to the Arctic, including all of the United States (except Hawaii), Canada, and Mexico. 

Attitudes concerning coyote management is an ongoing problem. Inaccurate often misrepresented information, coupled with strongly-held positions on the part of some segments of the public, result in delays in management activities or inaction. Civic decision-makers and agency officials often find themselves caught in the cross-fire between citizens who demand action to reduce coyote threats to pets and children within their neighborhoods, and animal welfare or animal rights advocates who take it as their mission to oppose any management of coyotes.

Urban coyote issues have been on the rise across the U.S. An excellent letter on this subject has been written by Michel & Associates. This law firm has been retained by local Southern California residents to help explain the issues surrounding urban coyotes to government policy makers who have been misled by groups like Project Coyote and the Humane Society of the U.S. HERE