Coyotes in Maine: Identification Guide and Where to Start Looking
Yes, coyotes are found throughout Maine. They are most common in rural and mixed landscapes, often seen at dawn and dusk. Their most reliable field mark is a narrow muzzle and bushy black-tipped tail. Look for them in farmlands, forests, and along roadsides. Start by scouting edges of fields in early morning.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 6, 2026.
- 1
- species recorded
- May, April, January
- peak months
Lookalikes, source iNaturalist
How to tell a coyote from its lookalikes in Maine
Only one species of coyote lives in Maine, so the real question is telling it apart from its relatives. 2 other members of the dog family have a verified observation record here, each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The ones you are most likely to confuse it with are Red Fox and Gray Fox. Compare them below, ranked by how often each is recorded.
Records from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Diet, source GloBI
What coyotes eat
Recorded prey and food of the coyote, from the Global Biotic Interactions database, limited to species that occur in the United States. This is what coyotes have actually been observed eating, not a list for any one place.
- American Coot
- Aquatic Garter Snake
- Arctic Ground Squirrel
- Black-tailed Jackrabbit
- Black-tailed Prairie Dog
- California Ground Squirrel
- California Newt
- California Red-legged Frog
- Canada Goose
- Chum Salmon
- Common Raccoon
- Desert Cottontail
- Desert Iguana
- Domestic Cat
Feeding records from the Global Biotic Interactions (GloBI) database. Common names resolved from iNaturalist.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
558 verified observations on iNaturalist of coyote have been recorded in Maine, most often in May, April, January.
Yes, coyotes are found throughout Maine. They are most common in rural and mixed landscapes, often seen at dawn and dusk. Their most reliable field mark is a narrow muzzle and bushy black-tipped tail. Look for them in farmlands, forests, and along roadsides. Start by scouting edges of fields in early morning.
What are the key identification features of a coyote in Maine?
Coyotes in Maine are typically grayish-brown with a pale belly and a thick, black-tipped tail. They have a narrow, pointed muzzle and large, erect ears. Adult weight ranges from 25 to 45 pounds. Compared to domestic dogs, coyotes carry their tail low when running and have a more lanky build. For more details on coyote traits, visit ourcoyote hub page.
How do you tell a coyote apart from a wolf or a large dog?
The easiest way is size: eastern wolves weigh 60-100 pounds, coyotes rarely exceed 45. Coyotes have a narrower snout and smaller paws. Unlike most dogs, coyotes keep their tail straight down or low while trotting. Listen for high-pitched yips and howls, which are distinct from a wolf's deeper howl. If you’re in northern Maine near the Canadian border, encounters with wolves are possible but rare.
Where in Maine are coyotes usually spotted first?
Coyotes adapt well to edge habitats. Start your search along agricultural fields adjacent to woodlands, especially in southern and central Maine. The towns of Farmington, Skowhegan, and parts of Washington County have reliable reports. They also use powerline cuts and abandoned roads. Check ourMaine wildlife pagefor more regional tips.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
When is the best time of year to see coyotes?
Winter offers the best odds because snow makes tracks visible and coyotes are more active during daylight. Late afternoon and early morning are prime. In summer, focus on dawn hours near water sources. Pups start traveling with adults in July and August, making family groups easier to spot.
What do coyote tracks and scat look like?
Coyote prints are oval, about 2.5 inches long, with four toe pads and visible claw marks. Compared to domestic dogs, the track is more symmetrical. Scat is usually pointed and twisted, filled with fur and small bones. Finding tracks along a dirt road or streambed is a good sign that coyotes are active in the area.
What should you do if you see a coyote?
Most coyotes avoid people. If you see one, stop and observe quietly. Do not approach or feed it. If it seems bold, make yourself large and shout to scare it away. Coyotes play a role in controlling rodents, but keep pets indoors at night. Report unusually fearless animals to your local game warden.
Coyote Merchandise to Wear or Display
Show your appreciation for these clever predators with a few handpicked items.
Coyote Sticker
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Funny Coyote Definition T-Shirt
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Coyote T-Shirt
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Men's Coyote Wildlife Hunting T-Shirt
A rugged tee aimed at hunters, featuring a bold coyote graphic and durable fabric.Check Price and Availability
For more designs, browse our full collection ofcoyote t-shirts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Coyotes in Maine
**Are coyotes dangerous to humans in Maine?** Attacks on adults are extremely rare. Coyotes may become bold if fed, so never leave pet food outside.
**Do coyotes howl at night?** Yes, their howls are a common sound in rural Maine, especially during mating season in February.
**What is the best call to use for coyote hunting?** Rabbit distress calls or howls work well. Many hunters use electronic calls.
**How can I tell coyote tracks from fox tracks?** Fox tracks are smaller (about 2 inches) and more oval, and foxes have a narrower foot pad. Coyote tracks are larger and more cat-like.
**Where can I report a coyote sighting?** Contact the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Conservation status, source NatureServe
Conservation rank for coyote (Coyote, Canis latrans), as assessed by NatureServe Explorer.
| Scope | NatureServe rank | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| In Maine | S5 | Secure |
| Global (rangewide) | G5 | Secure |
NatureServe ranks run from 1 (critically imperiled) to 5 (secure). See our data methodology for how this is sourced.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key identification features of a coyote in Maine?+
Coyotes in Maine are typically grayish-brown with a pale belly and a thick, black-tipped tail. They have a narrow, pointed muzzle and large, erect ears. Adult weight ranges from 25 to 45 pounds. Compared to domestic dogs, coyotes carry their tail low when running and have a more lanky build. For more details on coyote traits, visit ourcoyote hub page.
How do you tell a coyote apart from a wolf or a large dog?+
The easiest way is size: eastern wolves weigh 60-100 pounds, coyotes rarely exceed 45. Coyotes have a narrower snout and smaller paws. Unlike most dogs, coyotes keep their tail straight down or low while trotting. Listen for high-pitched yips and howls, which are distinct from a wolf's deeper howl. If you’re in northern Maine near the Canadian border, encounters with wolves are possible but rare.
Where in Maine are coyotes usually spotted first?+
Coyotes adapt well to edge habitats. Start your search along agricultural fields adjacent to woodlands, especially in southern and central Maine. The towns of Farmington, Skowhegan, and parts of Washington County have reliable reports. They also use powerline cuts and abandoned roads. Check ourMaine wildlife pagefor more regional tips. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
When is the best time of year to see coyotes?+
Winter offers the best odds because snow makes tracks visible and coyotes are more active during daylight. Late afternoon and early morning are prime. In summer, focus on dawn hours near water sources. Pups start traveling with adults in July and August, making family groups easier to spot.
What do coyote tracks and scat look like?+
Coyote prints are oval, about 2.5 inches long, with four toe pads and visible claw marks. Compared to domestic dogs, the track is more symmetrical. Scat is usually pointed and twisted, filled with fur and small bones. Finding tracks along a dirt road or streambed is a good sign that coyotes are active in the area.
What should you do if you see a coyote?+
Most coyotes avoid people. If you see one, stop and observe quietly. Do not approach or feed it. If it seems bold, make yourself large and shout to scare it away. Coyotes play a role in controlling rodents, but keep pets indoors at night. Report unusually fearless animals to your local game warden.
Keep exploring
More places to see coyote
More wildlife in Maine