Well, the life of a coyote is full of many adventures and dangers too. It’s easy to survive with a pack as compared to being alone. The pack is the power of a coyote. No matter what age a coyote is, if it is with the pack there are fewer chances to be killed by other predators and live a better life than an alone coyote.

do coyotes travel in packs

The study of a coyote is not really easy as far as I have known while researching them. They are not fussy feeders. Food that coyotes eat and knowing about their diet selection is really interesting.

Many people misunderstand that urban coyotes rely on garbage food only, but let me clear a coyote fact that they are hunters and ready to hunt at any time either in a pack or alone to get the food. A coyote can survive with or without a pack.

Coyotes belong to the dog family and act the same as other dog family members like the wolf, fox, and wild dog. They often travel in packs. Hunting and traveling for them are the two most common tasks they do throughout life to get food. In addition to saving their life from other big-sized animals and predators in the wild. In urban areas, humans are the most frequent and dangerous predators for them.

Traveling and Hunting Study Of Coyotes

Coyotes do travel with packs, recent studies have shown coyotes will maintain their territory as groups. Mostly travel in pairs or with the pack. But it doesn’t mean they are always with a pack, coyotes travel alone sometimes. A lone coyote may travel for miles to find its pack. The composition of a pack generally is made by an alpha male and female pair and a few other coyotes.

All packmates are usually close relatives, except for the alpha pair. On the other hand in the wild or rural areas, where trapping and hunting are allowed, there can be only alpha pair and pups in the pack.

Coyotes-eating-in-pack

The scientific name of the coyote is Canis latrans which means “barking dog” because of producing many different vocalizations. Prairie wolf, brush wolf, cased wolf, little wolf, and American jackal are the alternative English names for the coyote. I call them “ghosts of the city” because they are nocturnal. It is a solitary animal and sometimes travels and hunts alone and in a loose pair.  In the population of urban coyotes, there are many live packs, and will look forward to joining other groups or creating their own pack or territory.

Do Coyotes Travel In Packs?

A coyote can be usually seen alone but it really doesn’t mean that they have abandoned the pack. Roaming sometimes alone brings us this misinterpretation that coyotes do not travel and hunt with the pack. The reality is, this “Ghost of the City” is crafty and a smart animal. It can hunt and travel alone as well as with packs. When a coyote becomes an adult either it remains with the pack or will leave to survive on its own.

If a coyote travels and hunts alone there are more chances to be attacked by other predators. Coyotes usually travel in packs. Besides that when it’s alone it will be more careful. Mostly female coyotes live with the pack. when they become an adult, male coyotes probably will find their own way. As per recent research, many of the male coyotes have been reunited with their pack even after a long time.

Coyotes-travelling-in-pack

It might be very amusing if you have seen a pack of coyotes traveling or hunting in your area or nearby. You may let us know your experience of how you felt about sighting them. you can also share your opinions and queries in the comment box.

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About David Gray

David Gray is born & raised in Bozeman Montana, USA. He has been hunting & fishing since 2009. And used most of the outdoor gear during his 22 years of hunting experience. He likes to spend most of the time in the woods, on the trail, or by the water. He taught us about his outdoor journey and equipment experience.

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7 thoughts on “Do Coyotes Travel In Packs: Ultimate Traveller & Hunter

  1. Grandma says:

    Our granddaughter had been hunting on our land in Macks Creek, Mo. & upon climbing out of her deer stand found that there were 4 regular colored coyotes behind her, as well as a long-legged darker animal. When the 4 spotted her, they ran, but the darker animal stood its ground & growled at her. She quickly climbed back into the deer stand & called the house for help. Our 75 acre home is on the highway with woods behind us. The time was just when the light of day was beginning to fade.

  2. Ruth Meleen says:

    I live in Sterling MA and have seen and heard coyotes for years. I live in the country. Houses around me are distant. Last night my son was walking my dog and heard many coyote cries. He thought there had to be many coyotes on a kill. He heard my neighbor banging pieces of metal together to chase them off. And other neighbors turning their outside lights and yelling at them. I posted on our local town page and received comments from members of our town that stated “Coyotes don’t run in packs” I found this absurd as the sound of the kill was deafening. And I have personally seen more than 2 coyotes in a pack. I lost my 80lb Pit Bull in October who went outside and disappeared within 5 minutes. Thank you for your up to date information on Coyotes.

  3. David Grey says:

    Thanks for appreciating our work Ruth.

  4. Sandy says:

    Saw a coyote today post up in broad daylight on the golf course where I was playing on the Outerbanks today. The coyote was totally unconcerned or fearful of our presence.
    Slightly concerning.

  5. David Grey says:

    Hi Sandy
    Careful by yourself always especially care about the kids.

  6. Nancy says:

    I have seen lone coyote through my suburban neighborhood in south eastern Michigan. I have seen a pack at dusk in a fairly densely populated area, but after of the botanical garden area I had closed for the evening. The pack seem to include about half the number in juvenile coyote.

  7. BillWright says:

    I live in California. Van Nuy’s area
    one coyote prowls the street at
    night. It’s a extremely populated area
    One of the neighbors said he was
    getting a taser with long handle.
    As for myself, I don’t think that’s
    a good call !

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