Coyotes in New Hampshire: where to look and what signs to watch for

Coyotes thrive in the state's diverse habitats, from the Connecticut River Valley to the White Mountains. They prefer edges where forests meet open fields, old pastures, and powerline cuts. You'll often find them in southern and central NH, but they occur statewide. For more on their range, visit the coyote species page.

Coyotes are crepuscular, meaning they are most active around dawn and dusk. During summer, they may hunt earlier or later to avoid heat. In winter, they often become more diurnal, making midday sightings more common. Seasonal behavior shifts: listen for howling at night, especially in late winter during mating season.

Coyote tracks are oval, about 2.5 to 3.5 inches long, with four toes and visible claw marks. They differ from domestic dogs by being more symmetrical and with a narrower heel pad. Look for scat with fur and bone fragments on trails or at road edges. In snow, coyotes often walk in a straight line, placing hind feet in front tracks. For comparison with similar species, check out our guide on fox tracks.

See our state animal guide for the next step.

Coyotes are opportunistic feeders. Their diet includes small mammals like voles, squirrels, and rabbits, as well as deer (especially fawns or carrion), birds, fruits, and insects. In fall, they eat apples and berries. They will also take livestock or pets if left unprotected, so keep small animals secure at night.

Winter offers the best chance because snow makes tracking easy and coyotes are more active during daylight. Look for tracks after a fresh snowfall. Early spring (March-April) is also good as they are vocal during mating and denning. Summer sightings are harder; focus on early morning or late evening near water sources.