Coyotes in Wyoming: Identification Guide and Where to Start Looking
Yes, coyotes are a quintessential part of Wyoming's wildlife, found across its vast plains, mountain ranges, and high deserts. Identifying them requires looking for their dog-like appearance, bushy tail, and wary behavior. They are highly adaptable and are a common sight in both the wild and around human settlements.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
- 1
- species recorded
- June, May, July
- peak months
Lookalikes, source iNaturalist
How to tell a coyote from its lookalikes in Wyoming
Only one species of coyote lives in Wyoming, so the real question is telling it apart from its relatives. 3 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 Gray Wolf, Red Fox and Swift 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
2,040 verified observations on iNaturalist of coyote have been recorded in Wyoming, most often in June, May, July.
Yes, coyotes are a quintessential part of Wyoming's wildlife, found across its vast plains, mountain ranges, and high deserts. Identifying them requires looking for their dog-like appearance, bushy tail, and wary behavior. They are highly adaptable and are a common sight in both the wild and around human settlements.
What are the key physical traits of a Wyoming coyote?
Coyotes in Wyoming typically weigh between 20 and 35 pounds and have a coat that ranges from grayish-brown to reddish-gray. They have large, pointed ears and a bushy tail with a black tip that they carry low while running. Their movements are purposeful and fluid, reflecting their intelligence and survival skills in the wild.
Where are the best places to see coyotes in Wyoming?
Coyotes are found throughout Wyoming. Excellent viewing spots include the open grasslands of the Thunder Basin National Grassland and the many mountain ranges like the Tetons and the Wind River Range. They are also common in and around Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Check ourWyoming wildlife guidefor more location ideas.
How can you tell a coyote apart from a wolf in Wyoming?
The most reliable difference is size: wolves are much larger and more improve. Coyotes have a more slender build and a narrower snout. Wolves carry their tails horizontally when running, while coyotes carry theirs down. Coyotes also have much larger ears in proportion to their head than wolves. For more comparison, see ourcoyote vs wolf guide.
What is the typical behavior of a coyote in Wyoming?
Coyotes are highly social but also very cautious animals. They live in family groups and are known for their vocalizations, which include yips, barks, and howls. They are most active at dawn and dusk when they move between hunting grounds and resting spots. They are expert hunters, using their stealth and sharp senses to stalk prey.
Coyote-themed gifts for nature lovers
If you admire the resilience and intelligence of the coyote, you might enjoy these themed items for your home or as a gift.
Coyote Silhouette Metal Wall Art []() A stylish and durable piece of home decor that captures the spirit of the American West. Perfect for a cabin or a nature-themed room. Check Price and Availability
When is the best time for coyote sightings in Wyoming?
Coyotes can be seen year-round in Wyoming and do not hibernate. They are especially active and visible during the winter months, which is their peak breeding season. Their thick winter coats stand out beautifully against the snow. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to see them moving across the open plains.
Are coyotes a threat to livestock in Wyoming?
Coyotes can occasionally prey on small livestock like lambs or young calves, especially if natural food sources are scarce. Many ranchers use guard animals or secure fencing to protect their herds from coyote predation, and the state allows for management when conflicts occur. They play a complex role in Wyoming's agricultural landscape.
What role do coyotes play in the Wyoming ecosystem?
Coyotes are vital predators that help maintain the balance of prey populations, particularly rodents and rabbits. Their presence is a sign of a healthy and diverse environment. They occupy a wide range of habitats, showing their importance in both the mountainous and desert landscapes of Wyoming.
Is coyote hunting allowed in Wyoming?
Wyoming has established regulated hunting and trapping seasons for coyotes. The Game and Fish Department monitors the population to ensure it remains stable while providing opportunities for sustainable use. For more information on regulations, visit the Wyoming Game and Fish website.
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 Wyoming | 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 physical traits of a Wyoming coyote?+
Coyotes in Wyoming typically weigh between 20 and 35 pounds and have a coat that ranges from grayish-brown to reddish-gray. They have large, pointed ears and a bushy tail with a black tip that they carry low while running. Their movements are purposeful and fluid, reflecting their intelligence and survival skills in the wild.
Where are the best places to see coyotes in Wyoming?+
Coyotes are found throughout Wyoming. Excellent viewing spots include the open grasslands of the Thunder Basin National Grassland and the many mountain ranges like the Tetons and the Wind River Range. They are also common in and around Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Check ourWyoming wildlife guidefor more location ideas.
How can you tell a coyote apart from a wolf in Wyoming?+
The most reliable difference is size: wolves are much larger and more improve. Coyotes have a more slender build and a narrower snout. Wolves carry their tails horizontally when running, while coyotes carry theirs down. Coyotes also have much larger ears in proportion to their head than wolves. For more comparison, see ourcoyote vs wolf guide.
What is the typical behavior of a coyote in Wyoming?+
Coyotes are highly social but also very cautious animals. They live in family groups and are known for their vocalizations, which include yips, barks, and howls. They are most active at dawn and dusk when they move between hunting grounds and resting spots. They are expert hunters, using their stealth and sharp senses to stalk prey.
When is the best time for coyote sightings in Wyoming?+
Coyotes can be seen year-round in Wyoming and do not hibernate. They are especially active and visible during the winter months, which is their peak breeding season. Their thick winter coats stand out beautifully against the snow. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to see them moving across the open plains.
Are coyotes a threat to livestock in Wyoming?+
Coyotes can occasionally prey on small livestock like lambs or young calves, especially if natural food sources are scarce. Many ranchers use guard animals or secure fencing to protect their herds from coyote predation, and the state allows for management when conflicts occur. They play a complex role in Wyoming's agricultural landscape.
What role do coyotes play in the Wyoming ecosystem?+
Coyotes are vital predators that help maintain the balance of prey populations, particularly rodents and rabbits. Their presence is a sign of a healthy and diverse environment. They occupy a wide range of habitats, showing their importance in both the mountainous and desert landscapes of Wyoming.
Is coyote hunting allowed in Wyoming?+
Wyoming has established regulated hunting and trapping seasons for coyotes. The Game and Fish Department monitors the population to ensure it remains stable while providing opportunities for sustainable use. For more information on regulations, visit the Wyoming Game and Fish website.
Keep exploring
More places to see coyote
More wildlife in Wyoming