Coyotes in Alaska: where to look and what signs to watch for

Coyotes are expanding their range in Alaska. They are most common in the Interior (Fairbanks area) and Southcentral (Anchorage, Kenai Peninsula). They also appear along the Denali Highway and in parts of the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. You will rarely see them in Southeast Alaska's dense forests or far north of the Brooks Range. Look for them in open areas with a mix of cover: grasslands, river valleys, and the edges of boreal forests. They often den on south-facing slopes or in abandoned fox dens. In the Interior, they follow the Tanana, Yukon, and Copper River valleys, using these corridors to move through the landscape. For more on their relatives, see our /animals/coyote page.

Coyotes are most active at dawn and dusk. In Alaska, the long summer days mean they may be seen at any hour, but early morning and late evening still offer the best odds. Winter is actually a great time for spotting because snow makes their dark coats stand out and you can follow fresh tracks. Breeding season (January to March) increases their movement as they search for mates and establish territory. Late summer and fall, when pups are learning to hunt, can also bring more daytime activity. Spring (April-May) is when coyotes are most vocal and visible as they prepare dens for breeding season.

Coyote tracks are smaller than wolf tracks (about 2 to 2.5 inches long) and more oval than dog tracks. The front tracks are slightly larger than the hind. In snow, their stride is about 16 to 20 inches when walking. Look for a straight line of tracks: coyotes tend to walk in a direct register, placing hind feet in front prints. Scat is often twisted, containing hair and berry seeds. Listen for high-pitched howls and yips, especially at dusk. For comparison with similar species, check out our /wildlife/alaska guide. Coyote scat is also thinner and more spiral than wolf scat, and coyotes often leave it on prominent rocks or logs as scent markers.

See our state animal guide for the next step.

Coyotes are adaptable eaters. In Alaska, their diet includes small mammals (voles, hares, Arctic ground squirrels), carrion, berries, and occasionally young deer or moose calves. In summer, they eat a lot of berries: look near blueberry patches or salmonberry thickets. In winter, they patrol areas where moose or caribou carcasses attract them. If you see a carcass, check nearby hillsides for coyote tracks. They also hunt for Arctic ground squirrels in open tundra. Alaska's harsh winters make scavenging from predator kills (especially wolf kills) a crucial food source. Knowing the local food sources can help you pick a spot. Coyotes often follow wolves to scavenge from their kills, a behavior that has allowed them to thrive at northern latitudes.

For reliable sightings, try the following: the Tanana River valley near Fairbanks, the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Denali National Park (along the park road), and the Matanuska River valley near Palmer. Coyotes also roam the outskirts of Anchorage: check the Campbell Tract or Kincaid Park at dawn. In winter, the frozen rivers of the Interior concentrate prey, making coyote sightings more common. The Copper River region in South-Central Alaska has steady coyote populations year-round. Remember to check local regulations for wildlife viewing. The best viewing often happens along roads that cut through their preferred habitat, so a slow drive at dawn through valley areas can yield sightings.