Coyotes are often misunderstood, and confused for other animals
Coyotes Roam Maine: From 1930s First Sightings to Today’s Hybrid Hunters
Portland, Maine – A simple question from a Portland resident named Joan sparked a look into the quiet, often misunderstood residents that now roam Maine’s forests, suburbs, and even cities. “I’d heard so many things about coyotes,” Joan wrote, “but I don’t know how they got here or what to look for.”
The answer, according to a recent study and decades of wildlife observation, is a story of migration, adaptation, and hybridization.
A Late Arrival
Coyotes were not found in Maine until the early 20th century. While the state’s 19th‑century history is marked by the eradication of the eastern wolf—once a common predator in the region—there were no recorded sightings of coyotes in the 1920s. The first documented appearances came in the 1930s, as the canids migrated northward to fill the ecological niche left by the wolves.
These newcomers were mostly western coyotes, but as they moved into former wolf territory, they began to interbreed. Over time, the resulting hybrids—commonly called “coywolves”—have become the most familiar form of coyote in Maine.
The Genetics of a Hybrid
A 2014 study by Javier Monzón and colleagues at Stony Brook University dissected the DNA of eastern coyotes—the subspecies now common across Maine. The researchers found the following composition on average:
- 65 % western coyote DNA
- 17 % western wolf DNA
- 18 % eastern wolf DNA
In a subset of individuals where domestic dog genes were present, the mix shifted to:
- 61 % western coyote
- 14 % western wolf
- 14 % eastern wolf
- 11 % domestic dog
These numbers explain why many Maine sightings of “wolves” are, in fact, coyote hybrids with wolf‑like features.
Where to Spot Them
Despite their broad range, coyotes are rarely seen in Maine. Hunters and wildlife enthusiasts usually discover them through indirect evidence:
- Footprints – Distinctive, “dog‑like” prints are a common clue.
- Scat – Coyotes eat a varied diet of small mammals and fruit; their droppings often contain hair, seeds, and other indigestible materials, distinguishing them from domestic dog feces.
- Vocalizations – Coyotes are vocal animals. Their classic “howls” serve both territorial and long‑distance communication purposes. They also emit rapid “yips” or short barks that can mimic a group’s sound—an effect sometimes called “Beau Geste.” The Latin species name latrans literally means “barking,” underscoring their noisy nature.
Because coyotes can thrive in suburban and even urban settings, residents in towns ranging from Hollis to Portland should keep an eye out for these signs.
Human Interaction: A Cautious Coexistence
Coyotes are generally shy and pose little threat to people. In fact, they tend to avoid humans more than we sometimes expect. However, the public is advised to:
- Avoid feeding them. Human food can alter natural foraging habits and draw coyotes into residential areas.
- Keep pets indoors. While a cat might be too large to be a typical prey item, coyotes are known to prey on birds, and cats remain a leading cause of bird mortality in the region.
These steps help maintain a healthy balance between wildlife and human communities.
Learning More About Maine’s Wildlife
The Maine Audubon Society offers free bird‑walking sessions every Thursday morning at Gilsland Farm Audubon Sanctuary in Falmouth. Led by naturalist Doug Hitchcox and his team, these walks provide a chance to observe local avifauna—and to learn more about the broader ecological tapestry that includes coyotes, foxes, and the region’s remaining predators.
For more information or to submit questions about Maine’s wildlife, reach out to Maine Audubon or visit their website.
In short: Coyotes arrived in Maine in the 1930s, filled the void left by extinct wolves, hybridized to become the familiar “coywolf,” and now roam the state’s diverse landscapes. By spotting their footprints, listening for distinctive howls, and respecting their space, residents can coexist peacefully with these adaptable canines.
