Coyotes in Colorado: where to look and what signs to watch for
Coyotes are found throughout Colorado from the eastern plains to the mountain valleys. Start your search in open grasslands, scrublands, and forest edges during dawn or dusk. Listen for their high-pitched yips and howls. Look for oval tracks, twisted scat with hair, and dens on slopes near water. Check out [Colorado wildlife](/wildlife/colorado) for more species.
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Coyotes are found throughout Colorado from the eastern plains to the mountain valleys. Start your search in open grasslands, scrublands, and forest edges during dawn or dusk. Listen for their high-pitched yips and howls. Look for oval tracks, twisted scat with hair, and dens on slopes near water. Check outColorado wildlifefor more species.
Where are coyotes most likely found in Colorado?
Coyotes adapt to almost any habitat in Colorado. Your best odds are on the eastern plains in shortgrass prairies, around scrub oak and juniper woodlands in the foothills, and even in suburban greenbelts. They avoid dense forests but thrive in open country and agricultural fields. Look for them near water sources like streams and ponds. For more on coyote habits, see ourcoyote hub.
In Colorado, coyotes sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where the animal is most likely in the state. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
What time of day are coyotes most active?
Coyotes are primarily crepuscular and nocturnal. Plan your outings for the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset, especially during the cooler months. In summer, they shift activity to early morning and late evening. Nighttime howling is common, but actually spotting them is easier in low light.
Most misses happen when people arrive at the wrong hour or expect nonstop activity. Build around time-of-day or seasonal behavior, keep one backup area in mind, and use theanimal facts pageplustour planning ideasto compare what a realistic outing looks like in Colorado. If movement slows, stay longer at one promising spot, listen for calls or watch for edge movement, and reset around weather, light, water, or feeding changes instead of jumping to a totally new area too early.
What tracks and signs should a beginner look for?
Coyote tracks are oval, 2 to 2.5 inches long, with four toes and visible claw marks. The heel pad is smaller than a dog's. Scat is often twisted, full of hair and bone fragments, and left on trails or rocks. Den sites are usually on south-facing slopes, near water, with multiple entrances. Compare withfox tracksto avoid confusion.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
How can you identify a coyote by its calls?
Coyote vocalizations are a mix of high-pitched yips, barks, and long howls. They often call in groups, creating a chorus that rises and falls. Listen at dusk or right after dark. Lone howls are rare; group calls are used to reunite pack members or defend territory.
What do coyotes eat in Colorado?
Coyotes are opportunistic feeders. Their diet includes small mammals (rabbits, rodents), birds, carrion, insects, and berries. In Colorado, they also take fawns and livestock when available. This flexible diet overlaps withdeerin some areas, but they are not primarily grazers.
Where are the best places to spot coyotes in Colorado?
Top public lands include Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge near Denver, Pawnee National Grassland in the northeast, and the open spaces around Colorado Springs and Boulder. State parks like Barr Lake and Cherry Creek also hold coyotes. Focus on grassy areas with scattered cover.
How can you plan a coyote watching trip?
Use the tool below to find lodging and travel options near prime coyote habitat.
What gear can help with coyote spotting?
A good pair of binoculars and a field guide are all you really need. For carry your pride in these animals, check out ourcoyote t-shirtsand other gear.
### Funny Coyote Definition T-Shirt
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Classic coyote design for everyday wear.Check Price and Availability
### Coyote Sticker
A durable sticker to show off your coyote sightings.Check Price and Availability
Are coyotes dangerous to pets?
Coyotes can pose a risk to small pets, especially cats and small dogs. Keep pets indoors at night, supervise them in yards, and avoid leaving food outside. If you see a coyote, make loud noises and wave your arms to haze it away. Coyotes are generally wary of humans but can become habituated.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.