Coyotes in South Dakota: where to look and what signs to watch for

Coyotes are common across the entire state but are most often seen in the western grasslands, the Missouri River breaks, and agricultural areas with rolling hills. They avoid dense forests and favor open country where they can spot prey easily. Look for them in places like the Buffalo Gap National Grassland or near prairie dog towns, where food is abundant.

In South Dakota, the best habitat zones include the mixed-grass prairies west of the Missouri River, where expansive open country gives coyotes clear sightlines to hunt. The Missouri River breaks themselves, particularly around the Lower Brule and Crow Creek reservations, form a rough band of rougher terrain with draws, buttes, and riparian corridors where coyotes den and rear pups. Agricultural country where cropland alternates with grassland also supports strong populations, especially in fall and winter when harvested fields concentrate rodent activity.

East River coyotes are more scattered but still present, especially along river valleys, riparian strips, and the few remaining native grasslands. They tend to be more nocturnal in higher human-density areas but remain year-round residents.

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Coyotes are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk. They also hunt at night, especially in areas with little human disturbance. For the best chance of a sighting, plan to be in likely habitat just before sunrise or as the sun is setting. During the day they often rest in thick cover or dens.

The peak activity window is roughly one hour before sunrise through two hours after sunrise, then again two hours before sunset through one hour after sunset. During winter when daylight is limited, this compressed window becomes even more important. In truly remote areas, coyotes may be active throughout the day, especially during the denning season (March through June) when parents make frequent food runs. In areas with heavy human activity, they shift almost entirely to nocturnal hunting.

Listening for vocalizations is often more productive than trying to spot coyotes visually. Early morning and dusk are the most likely times to hear yipping and howling, which coyotes use to rally the pack and defend territory.

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Coyote tracks are oval, about 2.5 inches long, with four toe pads and a triangular heel pad. Compared to domestic dog tracks, coyote tracks are more symmetrical and the claw marks are usually smaller. Scat is often twisted and filled with fur and bone bits. Look for tracks on dirt roads, sandy washes, and along fence lines. You'll also find howling sessions as a clear sign of territory.

When inspecting coyote tracks more closely, note that the four toes are arranged in a semicircle and the heel pad shows a distinct hourglass or X shape when viewed from above. Coyote tracks often fall in an almost straight line as the animal walks, a sign of an efficient gait. Dog tracks, by contrast, meander more and show less orderly toe placement. In snow, coyote trails remain nearly straight for miles.

Scat is equally diagnostic. Coyote droppings are twisted, typically dark, and almost always contain hair, bone fragments, or feather material depending on recent kills. Scat diameter is roughly 0.5 to 0.75 inches. Position matters too: coyotes often place scat on prominent rocks, trail intersections, or the tops of rises as territorial markers.

Other sign includes scratches in the dirt where coyotes have buried scat or cached food, and the distinctive smell of musk marking at den entrances and along territory boundaries.

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Late winter and early spring are excellent because coyotes are more active during mating and pup-rearing, and snow cover makes tracks easier to spot. Fall is also good as young coyotes disperse and food availability pushes them into open areas. Summer sightings are possible but less predictable because they lie low during heat.

December through February is prime season because coyotes are in their most active breeding period and January's howling chorus marks territory claims. Deep snow makes tracks unmistakable and highlights scat against white. March and April bring denning, when both parents hunt constantly to feed growing litters, increasing daytime activity.

Fall (September through November) is underrated. Young coyotes born that spring are now dispersing from the natal pack, moving through unfamiliar territory and less cautious. This dispersal, combined with abundant food from carrion and rodent populations peaking before winter, creates excellent sighting opportunities. Road-killed deer also attract coyotes in fall and early winter.

Summer is slowest. Temperatures soar, coyotes rest during the heat of the day in deep dens, and vegetation is thick, obscuring movement. However, in northern river breaks where cooler, shadier habitat exists, summer can still yield sightings.

Spring rains turn South Dakota's prairies green in April and May, helping you spot coyotes moving through short cover more easily than in summer's thick vegetation.

Coyotes often trot with their tails held straight out or slightly down. They may stop and stare, then move on quickly. In open country, they sometimes stalk small rodents by pouncing with both front feet. Listen for high-pitched yips and howls at dusk. If you see a coyote alone, it is likely hunting or traveling; pairs or small groups are typical during breeding season.

When hunting small prey like prairie dogs or ground squirrels, coyotes use a distinctive hunting technique: they circle slowly, then charge and pounce with stiffened front legs. This behavior is called mousing and is often seen in late summer and fall when young of the year are learning to hunt. A single coyote might spend 10 or 20 minutes in one area, making multiple pounce attempts before moving on.

Body language is key. A relaxed coyote walks with ears upright and alert but not pinned forward. An alarmed coyote will lower its head slightly, raise its tail, and trot away, occasionally looking back. A defensive coyote cornered by a larger threat will stand sideways, making itself appear larger, with a raised, slightly curved tail and ears pinned back.

Vocalization patterns tell a story too. A lone howl often indicates a single animal asserting territory. Group yip-howls with 5 or more individuals are typical of a pack defending a kill or rallying to hunt. These vocalizations intensify during twilight and after dark.