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Quick Reference: Coyotes in Oklahoma

Feature	Details
Scientific Name	Canis latrans
Classification	Mammalia / Carnivora / Canidae
Size	32 to 37 inches body length; 12 to 16 inch tail; 25 to 40 lbs
Color	Grayish-brown with buff or tawny underparts; black-tipped guard hairs along back and shoulders
Lifespan	6 to 8 years in the wild; up to 14 years possible
Diet	Omnivore. Rabbits, rodents, fruit, insects, pet food, garbage, small pets
Reproduction	1 litter per year; 5 to 7 pups average; born April through May
Active Season in Oklahoma	Year-round; most vocal and visible January through May (breeding and denning season)
Threat Level	Low direct risk to humans; moderate to high risk to outdoor cats and small dogs
Common in OKC Metro	Yes. Present in every Oklahoma county including all OKC metro suburbs and urban neighborhoods

Coyotes are one of the most adaptable mammals in North America, and they have thrived across Oklahoma for centuries. Every county in the state has a resident coyote population, and the Oklahoma City metro is no exception. Urban and suburban coyotes are now a permanent fixture of life in Edmond, Norman, Nichols Hills, Choctaw, The Village, and every other OKC metro community. Homeowners who see a coyote in their neighborhood are not witnessing something unusual. They are seeing a species that has successfully adapted to every landscape humans have created.

Alpha Pest Solutions does not trap, remove, or relocate coyotes. Coyote management in Oklahoma falls under the authority of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC). This page exists to educate Oklahoma homeowners about coyote identification, behavior, pet safety, and the correct steps to take when coyotes become a concern in your neighborhood. If you need help with other wildlife species that enter your home or property, including raccoons, opossums, skunks, squirrels, or bats, call or text Alpha Pest Solutions at (405) 977-0678 for a free inspection.

Identifying Coyotes in Oklahoma

Coyotes are medium-sized canids that look similar to a small German Shepherd at first glance, but several features set them apart from domestic dogs and other wild canids.

Size and build: Adult coyotes weigh 25 to 40 pounds, with males slightly larger than females. They stand approximately 23 to 26 inches at the shoulder. Their build is lean and lanky compared to most domestic dogs of similar weight, with long legs relative to body size and a narrow, pointed muzzle.

Coat: The coat is primarily grayish-brown with darker guard hairs along the back and shoulders. The throat and belly are lighter, ranging from buff to white. Oklahoma coyotes may appear slightly redder or more tawny during summer months and heavier-coated with more gray during winter.

Tail: The tail is bushy with a black tip. When running, coyotes hold their tail low or straight out behind them. This is one of the most reliable field identifiers. Domestic dogs typically carry their tail up or curled, and wolves hold their tail straight out or slightly elevated.

Ears and muzzle: Large, pointed, triangular ears that stand erect. The muzzle is narrow and pointed, noticeably more slender than that of most domestic dogs.

Eyes: Yellow to amber eyes with round pupils. This differs from the brown eyes of most domestic dogs.

Coyote vs. Domestic Dog

This is the most common identification confusion in urban Oklahoma. Many sightings reported as coyotes are actually off-leash dogs or mixed-breed strays, and some actual coyote sightings are dismissed as just a dog. Key differences:

• Tail position when running: Coyotes carry the tail low or horizontal. Dogs typically carry it up.
• Gait: Coyotes move with a distinctive trotting gait, placing rear feet directly in the tracks of front feet. They appear to glide rather than bounce.
• Body shape: Coyotes are lean and narrow-chested. Even thin stray dogs tend to have a wider chest.
• Behavior around humans: Coyotes maintain distance and move away from people. Stray dogs may approach, follow, or show curiosity.
• Ears: Coyote ears are proportionally larger and always erect. Many dog breeds have floppy or semi-erect ears.

Coyote vs. Red Fox

Oklahoma has a healthy red fox population, and both species occupy urban areas. Red foxes are significantly smaller (8 to 15 pounds), have a distinctly orange-red coat, a white-tipped tail, and black legs and ear tips. Coyotes are two to three times the weight, grayish-brown, and have a black-tipped (not white-tipped) tail. Fox movement is catlike and low to the ground, while coyotes trot more upright.

Coyote vs. Gray Wolf

Gray wolves were historically present in Oklahoma but have been extirpated from the state for over a century. Any wild canid seen in the OKC metro is a coyote, not a wolf. For reference, wolves are dramatically larger (70 to 150 pounds), with a broader muzzle, shorter ears relative to head size, and a more massive overall build. If you believe you have seen a wolf in Oklahoma, report the sighting to ODWC.

Coyote Behavior in Urban Oklahoma

Understanding how coyotes behave in urban and suburban settings is the foundation of coexistence. Oklahoma City metro coyotes behave differently from their rural counterparts in several important ways.

Primarily nocturnal in cities. Urban coyotes shift their activity to nighttime hours to avoid human contact. Peak activity occurs between sunset and sunrise. You may see a coyote at dawn or dusk, and occasional daytime sightings do happen, but the majority of urban coyote movement occurs after dark. A daytime sighting alone is not evidence that a coyote is sick or aggressive.

Territorial. Coyotes maintain home territories of 2 to 10 square miles in urban areas (compared to much larger territories in rural Oklahoma). A pair or family group will defend their territory from other coyotes but generally ignores humans, dogs on leashes, and routine neighborhood activity.

Den sites. Urban coyotes den under sheds, decks, porches, crawlspaces, drainage culverts, and in thickets along creek corridors and drainage easements. They may also use abandoned buildings, construction sites, and overgrown lots. Den sites are used primarily during pup-rearing season (April through July) and may change from year to year.

Travel corridors. In the OKC metro, coyotes move along creek beds, railroad easements, power line corridors, drainage channels, and the edges of parks and golf courses. These linear green spaces connect otherwise isolated patches of habitat and allow coyotes to travel across even heavily developed areas without crossing open ground.

Vocal communication. Coyotes are highly vocal, especially during breeding season (January through March). Group howling and yipping are the sounds most often reported by Oklahoma homeowners. These vocalizations serve to establish territory, reunite pack members, and communicate among family groups. Hearing coyotes at night is normal in every OKC metro community.

Habituated vs. aggressive behavior. A habituated coyote is one that has become accustomed to human presence and no longer maintains a safe distance. This is not the same as aggression, but it is a warning sign. Habituated coyotes may walk through yards during daylight, rest on porches or patios, follow joggers or dog walkers at a distance, or fail to flee when encountered. These behaviors indicate that the coyote has lost its natural wariness, usually because it has been fed directly or has found consistent food sources in the neighborhood.

Diet and Feeding Behavior

Coyotes are true omnivores with a diet that shifts dramatically based on what is available. In rural Oklahoma, their diet is roughly:

• 40 to 50 percent small mammals (rabbits, mice, voles, pack rats)
• 20 to 30 percent fruit, berries, and vegetation
• 10 to 15 percent insects (grasshoppers, beetles, cicadas)
• 5 to 10 percent carrion (roadkill, deceased livestock)
• Remainder: birds, eggs, reptiles, amphibians

In urban Oklahoma, this shifts significantly. Suburban and urban coyotes supplement their natural diet with:

• Pet food left outdoors. This is the single most common coyote attractant in OKC metro neighborhoods. Dry cat food and dog food left on porches and patios are high-calorie, reliable food sources.
• Garbage. Unsecured trash bags and overflowing bins attract coyotes directly and also attract rodents and raccoons, which in turn attract coyotes.
• Fallen fruit. Pecan trees, persimmon trees, and fruit trees (common across central Oklahoma) drop seasonal food that coyotes readily consume.
• Bird feeders. Bird feeders themselves are not the direct attractant. However, seed spillage below feeders attracts mice, rats, and squirrels, which are primary coyote prey. A yard with active bird feeders effectively has a coyote feeding station.
• Compost piles. Open or improperly managed compost draws rodents and provides direct food for coyotes.
• Feral cat colonies. Managed or unmanaged feral cat colonies with feeding stations are a major attractant for urban coyotes.

Reducing these food sources is the single most effective step any Oklahoma neighborhood can take to reduce coyote activity. This is far more effective than trapping or removal, because new coyotes will move into any territory with reliable food within weeks of a removal.

Denning Season and Reproduction

Coyote reproduction follows a predictable annual cycle in Oklahoma:

• Breeding season: January through March, peaking in February
• Gestation: 60 to 63 days
• Pups born: April through May (occasionally late March)
• Litter size: 5 to 7 pups average (range of 3 to 12, depending on food availability and population density)
• Eyes open: 10 to 14 days after birth
• Emerge from den: 3 to 4 weeks old
• Weaning: 5 to 7 weeks
• Begin hunting with parents: 8 to 12 weeks
• Dispersal: Fall of their first year (September through November), though some juveniles may remain with parents through winter

Why denning season matters to homeowners: During April through July, parent coyotes are actively defending den sites and raising pups. Both parents (coyotes are monogamous and co-parent) become more territorial and more visible during this period. A coyote that was invisible all winter may suddenly appear in your yard daily because it is traveling to and from a den site nearby.

This is also the period when coyotes are most likely to view outdoor cats and small dogs as threats to their pups, increasing the risk of pet encounters. If you notice increased coyote activity in spring, it almost certainly means a den is within a quarter mile of your property.

Population regulation. Coyote populations self-regulate based on food availability. In areas with abundant food (urban neighborhoods with outdoor pet food, garbage access, and rodent populations), litter sizes increase. Removal programs consistently fail because surviving coyotes respond by breeding earlier, producing larger litters, and filling vacant territories within weeks. This is one of the key reasons ODWC and wildlife biologists recommend coexistence and attractant removal over lethal control in urban areas.

Where Coyotes Live in the OKC Metro

Edmond. The Arcadia area and eastern Edmond along the boundary between suburban development and rural land have some of the highest coyote densities in the metro. Spring Creek, Coffee Creek, and Deer Creek corridors provide travel and denning habitat that extends deep into developed neighborhoods. The area around Hafer Park and E.C. Hafer Park sees regular coyote sightings.

Norman. The eastern and southern edges of Norman, particularly areas adjacent to the Canadian River corridor and Lake Thunderbird, support large coyote populations. Neighborhoods near the OU campus and in the Ruby Grant Park area report frequent sightings, especially during breeding season. The undeveloped land south and east of Norman provides continuous habitat.

Nichols Hills and The Village. These communities sit along the Lake Hefner corridor, which is a major wildlife travel route through northwest OKC. Coyotes use the lake shoreline, Bluff Creek Trail system, and adjacent green spaces to move through these densely developed neighborhoods. Residents frequently report coyotes in yards, on golf courses, and along walking paths.

Choctaw. The rural fringe along Choctaw’s eastern and southern boundaries makes coyote encounters extremely common. Many Choctaw properties border open pastureland and creek drainages that support resident coyote pairs year-round.

Midwest City and Del City. Tinker Air Force Base and the surrounding undeveloped buffer zones provide protected habitat. Rose Creek and Soldier Creek corridors connect this habitat to residential neighborhoods.

Yukon, Mustang, and Bethany. Western metro communities along the Canadian River floodplain and Lake Overholser corridor have consistent coyote populations. New construction on former agricultural land frequently displaces coyotes into established neighborhoods temporarily.

Central OKC. Even heavily urbanized areas of Oklahoma City proper have resident coyotes. The Oklahoma River corridor, Will Rogers Park, Martin Park Nature Center, and the extensive creek and drainage channel system throughout the city provide sufficient habitat and travel routes.

Signs of Coyote Activity on Your Property

Most homeowners hear coyotes before they see them. Here are the signs that coyotes are active in your immediate area:

Vocalizations. Howling, yipping, and barking, especially between 9 PM and 5 AM. Group howling sessions often sound like far more animals than are actually present because coyotes use rapid pitch and frequency changes. Two or three coyotes can sound like a dozen.

Tracks. Coyote tracks are similar to dog tracks but more elongated and oval. The two front toenail prints are close together and point forward, while dog tracks typically show toenails that splay outward. Coyote tracks measure approximately 2.5 inches long by 2 inches wide for adults. Look for tracks in mud, snow, or soft soil along fence lines, creek banks, and drainage paths.

Scat. Coyote scat is typically 3 to 4 inches long, rope-like, and often contains visible hair, bone fragments, seeds, or insect parts. It is frequently deposited on trails, at intersections of paths, and on elevated surfaces (rocks, logs, concrete pads) as territorial markers.

Prey remains. Scattered feathers, rabbit fur, or rodent remains in your yard or along fence lines. Coyotes often carry prey to a sheltered spot to eat.

Missing outdoor cats. A sudden disappearance of outdoor cats or feral cats from a neighborhood is often the first recognized sign of urban coyote activity.

Den sites. Excavated holes under sheds, decks, or outbuildings, typically 8 to 12 inches in diameter with smooth, worn edges at the entrance. Fresh digging with loose soil around the opening indicates active use.

Damaged fencing. Coyotes can dig under fences, squeeze through gaps as small as 6 inches, and jump or climb fences up to 5 feet tall. Look for dig marks under fence lines and pulled-apart gaps in chain link.

Coyote Season in Oklahoma

January through March (breeding season). Peak vocalization. Males travel widely seeking mates. Mated pairs establish or re-establish den sites. This is when howling is most intense and frequent. Coyotes may be more visible as breeding pairs travel together.

April through June (denning and pup-rearing). Pups are born. Parents are territorial and actively defending den areas. Adult coyotes make frequent hunting trips to feed growing pups, increasing the chance of daytime sightings. This is the highest-risk period for outdoor pets because parents are foraging aggressively.

July through September (pup dispersal begins). Young coyotes begin exploring independently. Juvenile coyotes are inexperienced and may behave unpredictably, appearing in unusual locations, approaching homes, or failing to flee when encountered. Many urban coyote sightings in late summer are juveniles that have not yet learned to avoid humans.

October through December (dispersal and territory establishment). Young coyotes leave their parents’ territory and seek their own. This creates a temporary increase in coyote sightings as juveniles move through unfamiliar neighborhoods. By late fall, territories stabilize and activity becomes less visible.

Risks to Pets and Property

Coyotes are not a significant direct risk to humans. Unprovoked coyote attacks on adult humans are extremely rare anywhere in North America. Between 1960 and 2006, researchers documented fewer than 160 coyote attacks on humans across the entire continent. The vast majority involved habituated coyotes that had been intentionally or unintentionally fed by people. The risk to a healthy adult human from a coyote is statistically negligible.

Pets are a different situation. Coyotes are a real and serious risk to outdoor cats and small dogs in the Oklahoma City metro.

• Cats: Outdoor cats are highly vulnerable. Studies in urban areas across the U.S. have found that coyotes are the leading cause of death for free-roaming cats in communities with resident coyote populations. Cats lack the size, speed, and defensive capability to survive a coyote encounter. The risk is present year-round but peaks during denning season (April through July) when coyotes are foraging aggressively.
• Small dogs: Dogs under 25 pounds are at significant risk, especially if left unsupervised outdoors at dawn, dusk, or nighttime. Coyotes may view small dogs as prey or as territorial threats. Even dogs in fenced yards are at risk if the fence is shorter than 6 feet or has gaps at ground level.
• Medium and large dogs: Dogs over 40 pounds are generally not prey targets, but coyotes may attack medium-sized dogs that approach den sites or challenge territorial boundaries. Large dogs are rarely targeted, though encounters near dens during pup season can result in defensive aggression from parent coyotes.

Property damage is minimal. Unlike raccoons, squirrels, or rats, coyotes do not enter structures or cause building damage. Property-related concerns are limited to digging under fences, excavating den holes under sheds or decks, disturbing garbage containers, and minor lawn damage from digging for grubs or burrowing rodents.

Pet Safety Measures for Oklahoma Homeowners

1. Keep cats indoors. This is the single most effective protection measure. Indoor cats face zero coyote risk. If your cat currently goes outdoors, transitioning to indoor-only is the strongest action you can take.
2. Supervise outdoor dogs. Never leave small or medium dogs unattended in the yard, especially at dawn, dusk, or nighttime. Walk dogs on leash rather than letting them out alone.
3. Never leave pet food outside. Pick up food bowls after every outdoor meal. Do not leave water bowls out overnight. Pet food is the number one attractant for urban coyotes.
4. Install coyote-proof fencing. Standard residential fencing (4 to 5 feet) is not coyote-proof. Effective coyote fencing is at least 6 feet tall with either coyote rollers (free-spinning tubes mounted along the top) or an outward-angled extension that prevents climbing over. Bury the bottom of the fence at least 12 inches or install an L-shaped apron to prevent digging under.
5. Use a coyote vest for small dogs. Coyote vests are commercially available protective garments with spikes and whiskers that make small dogs difficult for coyotes to grab. These are particularly useful for small dogs that must go outdoors in known coyote areas.
6. Carry a noisemaker on walks. An air horn, whistle, or a bag of coins to shake can deter a coyote that approaches too closely during a walk.
7. Remove attractants from your yard. Pick up fallen fruit. Secure garbage in locking bins. Clean up bird feeder spillage. Eliminate brush piles and dense ground cover that harbor rodents.
8. Coordinate with neighbors. Coyote management is a neighborhood-level effort. One property with outdoor pet food and open garbage can attract coyotes to the entire block.

Coyote Hazing: How to Maintain Their Fear of Humans

Hazing is the practice of deliberately frightening coyotes to reinforce their natural wariness of people. Wildlife biologists and ODWC recommend hazing as the most effective long-term strategy for urban coyote management. The goal is not to harm the coyote but to teach it that approaching humans, homes, and pets has unpleasant consequences.

When to haze: Anytime a coyote is in your yard, approaching your property during daylight, following you or your pet, or showing any behavior that indicates it is comfortable near humans.

How to haze effectively:

• Make yourself large. Stand up tall, wave your arms overhead, and open your jacket wide. Face the coyote directly. Do not turn your back or run.
• Be loud. Shout, yell, bang pots together, blow an air horn, or use a whistle. Volume matters. The goal is to create an unpleasant experience the coyote will remember.
• Spray with a hose. A strong stream from a garden hose is an effective deterrent. Coyotes dislike being sprayed.
• Throw objects near (not at) the coyote. Toss tennis balls, small rocks, or sticks in the coyote’s direction. The goal is startling, not injuring.
• Use motion-activated deterrents. Motion-activated sprinklers, lights, and sound devices can reinforce hazing when you are not present.
• Be consistent. Hazing only works if the coyote receives the same response every time it approaches. If one neighbor hazes while another feeds, the coyote learns that some humans are threats and others are food sources.

Important: Hazing is for coyotes that are approaching too closely or becoming habituated. A coyote passing through the far end of your property at night is behaving normally and does not need to be hazed. Reserve hazing for situations where the coyote is displaying boldness.

When hazing does not work: If a coyote does not respond to repeated, aggressive hazing, it may be sick, injured, or so habituated that professional intervention is needed. Contact ODWC at (405) 521-3851.

When to Contact ODWC

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is the appropriate authority for coyote concerns. Contact ODWC when:

• A coyote is approaching people without fear and does not respond to hazing
• A coyote appears sick, injured, or disoriented (stumbling, circling, foaming at the mouth, or acting lethargic during daytime)
• You suspect a coyote is denning under a structure and you need guidance on how to proceed
• A coyote has attacked or killed a pet
• You observe a coyote that has been deliberately fed by someone in your neighborhood
• A coyote is present during daytime repeatedly and appears to be following children or adults
• You have questions about coyote hunting or trapping regulations on your property

ODWC Contact Information:

• Phone: (405) 521-3851
• Website: wildlifedepartment.com
• Report wildlife conflicts through their online reporting system or by calling during business hours
• After-hours emergencies involving aggressive or injured wildlife: call local animal control or the Oklahoma City Police non-emergency line

Oklahoma coyote regulations: Coyotes are classified as furbearing animals in Oklahoma. There is a year-round open season on coyotes on private land with landowner permission, but urban discharge ordinances make lethal control illegal within most OKC metro city limits. Trapping within city limits requires local permits and may be restricted. ODWC can provide current regulations for your specific location.

Why This Page Is on a Pest Control Website

Alpha Pest Solutions does not trap, remove, or manage coyotes. So why is this page here?

Oklahoma homeowners search for help when they see coyotes in their yard, hear coyotes at night, or lose a pet to a coyote. They search for “coyote removal Oklahoma City,” “coyote in my yard OKC,” and “pest control for coyotes near me.” We believe those homeowners deserve accurate information, not fearmongering and not a sales pitch for a service that does not address the real situation.

Coyotes are a normal part of Oklahoma wildlife. They are not pests in the traditional sense. They cannot be permanently removed from an area because new coyotes will fill any vacancy within weeks. The most effective approach is education, attractant removal, pet safety measures, and hazing.

If you contacted Alpha Pest Solutions about coyotes, we will always direct you to the right resource. And if you are dealing with wildlife that we do handle, including raccoons, opossums, skunks, squirrels, bats, or birds in your home or structure, we are here to help. Call or text (405) 977-0678.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are coyotes dangerous to humans in Oklahoma?

Unprovoked coyote attacks on humans are extremely rare. Across all of North America, documented attacks average fewer than five per year, and most involve coyotes that have been deliberately fed. The risk to a healthy adult in the Oklahoma City metro is statistically negligible. Coyotes are cautious animals that avoid direct human contact. The primary risk is to outdoor pets, particularly cats and small dogs under 25 pounds.

What should I do if I see a coyote in my yard in Oklahoma City?

If the coyote is passing through, observe it and let it move on. This is normal behavior. If the coyote is lingering, approaching your house, or showing no fear of your presence, use hazing techniques: make yourself large, shout, bang pots, blow an air horn, or spray it with a hose. The goal is to reinforce its natural wariness of humans. Do not run from the coyote, and do not leave food out that would encourage it to return.

Will Alpha Pest Solutions remove a coyote from my property?

No. Alpha Pest Solutions does not trap, remove, or manage coyotes. Coyote management in Oklahoma falls under the authority of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC). We provide this educational page to help homeowners understand coyote behavior and take effective protective measures. For coyote concerns, contact ODWC at (405) 521-3851 or visit wildlifedepartment.com.

How do I keep coyotes out of my yard in Oklahoma?

Remove attractants first: bring pet food inside, secure garbage in locking containers, clean up fallen fruit, and manage bird feeder spillage that attracts rodents. Install fencing at least 6 feet tall with coyote rollers or an angled extension at the top. Bury the fence bottom 12 inches or add a ground-level apron. Use motion-activated sprinklers and lights. Haze any coyote you see in your yard consistently.

Are coyotes in Oklahoma City increasing?

Urban coyote populations across the OKC metro have been stable for over a decade. What has increased is awareness and reporting. Trail cameras, neighborhood social media groups, and smartphone cameras mean more sightings are documented and shared. Coyotes have been present in Oklahoma City neighborhoods since the metro expanded into their habitat. Their population density self-regulates based on food availability and territory.

What time of year are coyotes most active in OKC?

Coyotes are present year-round, but they are most vocal and visible from January through June. Breeding season (January through March) produces the most howling. Denning season (April through June) produces the most daytime sightings as parents hunt frequently to feed pups. Late summer juvenile dispersal (July through September) creates temporary increases in sightings as young coyotes explore new territories.

Can coyotes jump my fence?

Yes. Coyotes can jump or climb fences up to 5 feet tall with ease. A 6-foot fence slows them significantly, but a determined coyote can scale one by using their front paws to pull themselves over. Coyote rollers (free-spinning tubes along the fence top) are the most effective fence modification because the coyote cannot grip the roller to pull over. Coyotes can also dig under fences, so ground-level protection is equally important.

Do coyotes carry rabies in Oklahoma?

Coyotes can carry rabies, but they are not a primary rabies vector in Oklahoma. Skunks are the primary rabies reservoir species in the state, followed by bats. Rabies in Oklahoma coyotes is rare. However, any wild animal behaving abnormally (stumbling, circling, showing no fear, active during unusual hours with disorientation) should be avoided and reported to ODWC or local animal control.

What sounds do coyotes make and what do they mean?

Coyotes produce a remarkable range of vocalizations. Group howling and yip-howling are territorial announcements and reunion calls. A lone howl is typically a location call to pack members. Barking indicates alarm or a warning to intruders. High-pitched yipping often occurs during social interactions or when a pack is excited after a successful hunt. Two or three coyotes vocalizing together can sound like a dozen or more due to rapid pitch changes.

Should I be worried about coyotes near my children?

The risk to children from coyotes in Oklahoma is extremely low, but young children should not be left unattended outdoors in areas with known coyote activity, especially at dawn, dusk, or nighttime. Teach children not to approach, feed, or chase any wild animal. If a coyote approaches a child, the adult response should be the same as hazing: make noise, appear large, and move toward the coyote assertively. Coyotes nearly always retreat.

How can I tell the difference between a coyote and a stray dog?

The most reliable field differences are tail position and gait. Coyotes carry their bushy, black-tipped tail low when running and trot with a smooth, energy-efficient gait where the rear feet land in the front foot tracks. Stray dogs tend to carry their tails higher, have a bouncier gait, and may approach or show curiosity toward humans. Coyotes have proportionally larger, always-erect pointed ears and a narrow, pointed muzzle.

Will removing one coyote solve my problem?

No. Removing individual coyotes from urban areas is consistently ineffective as a long-term solution. Research across multiple U.S. cities has shown that when a coyote is removed from a territory with available food, a new coyote fills that territory within 2 to 4 weeks. Additionally, remaining coyotes respond to population reduction by breeding earlier and producing larger litters. Attractant removal and hazing are far more effective than lethal control.

Do coyotes travel in packs in Oklahoma City?

Urban coyotes typically travel in mated pairs or small family groups (two adults plus current-year pups). Large packs are uncommon in urban settings. Most coyote sightings in OKC involve a single animal or a pair. During late summer and fall, you may see a family group of four to seven animals (parents plus juveniles) before the young disperse. The howling of two or three coyotes can sound like a much larger group.

What attracts coyotes to my neighborhood?

The primary attractants are outdoor pet food, unsecured garbage, fallen fruit (especially pecans and persimmons), bird feeder spillage (which attracts rodents that attract coyotes), feral cat colonies, and accessible water sources. Coyotes go where food is reliable. A single home leaving cat food on the porch can attract coyotes to an entire block. Reducing food availability through rodent control and proper sanitation is the most effective deterrent.

Can I legally shoot a coyote in my yard in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma has a year-round open season on coyotes, but nearly all OKC metro municipalities have ordinances prohibiting the discharge of firearms within city limits. Discharging a firearm in your yard in Edmond, Norman, Oklahoma City, Midwest City, or any other incorporated metro community is illegal regardless of the target. Contact ODWC at (405) 521-3851 for guidance on legal options for your specific situation and location.

What wildlife does Alpha Pest Solutions handle?

Alpha Pest Solutions is a licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO) and handles wildlife species that enter or damage structures, including raccoons, opossums, skunks, squirrels, bats, birds, snakes, and armadillos. We also provide rodent control for mice and rats, which are a primary food source for coyotes. Reducing the rodent population on your property can help make your area less attractive to coyotes.

How do I report a coyote sighting in Oklahoma City?

For routine sightings, no report is necessary. Coyotes are expected in every OKC metro neighborhood. For sightings involving aggressive behavior, an injured or sick coyote, or a coyote that has attacked a pet, contact ODWC at (405) 521-3851 during business hours. For after-hours emergencies, contact Oklahoma City Animal Welfare at (405) 297-2255 or your local police non-emergency line. Many OKC metro communities also have neighborhood-level wildlife reporting through their city animal control departments.

Related Services and Pests

Alpha Pest Solutions does not handle coyote removal, but we serve Oklahoma City metro homeowners with a full range of wildlife and pest control services that relate directly to coyote activity:

• Wildlife Control — Licensed NWCO service for raccoons, opossums, skunks, squirrels, bats, birds, snakes, and armadillos. If a wild animal is in your home or structure, this is the service you need.
• Raccoon Identification and Removal — Raccoons share urban habitat with coyotes and frequently cause attic and structural damage.
• Opossum Identification and Removal — Opossums are another common OKC metro wildlife species that may be confused with coyote-related activity.
• Skunk Identification and Removal — Skunks den in similar locations as coyotes (under decks, sheds, and porches) and are Oklahoma’s primary rabies vector.
• Rodent Control — Mice and rats are a primary food source for urban coyotes. Reducing the rodent population on your property can decrease coyote attraction to your area.
• Edmond Pest Control — Serving Edmond and the Arcadia area, where coyote activity is among the highest in the metro.
• Norman Pest Control — Serving Norman and surrounding areas near the Canadian River corridor.
• Choctaw Pest Control — Serving Choctaw and the rural fringe communities with high wildlife activity.

Protect Your Oklahoma Home from Wildlife That Enters Structures

Coyotes are a natural part of the Oklahoma landscape, and the best approach is educated coexistence: remove attractants, protect pets, haze when necessary, and contact ODWC when a coyote crosses the line from wildlife to concern.

For the wildlife species that actually enter your home, damage your structure, or threaten your family’s health, Alpha Pest Solutions is here. We are a licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator serving the entire Oklahoma City metro. Whether you are hearing sounds in your attic, finding droppings in your crawlspace, or dealing with an animal under your deck, we handle it from inspection through exclusion.

Call or text (405) 977-0678 for a free wildlife inspection. We serve Oklahoma City, Edmond, Norman, Midwest City, Yukon, Mustang, Del City, Bethany, Choctaw, Nichols Hills, and The Village.