Safe and Humane Coyote Control Services

---

Coyote Biology in Atlanta, GA

Coyotes (Canis latrans) are medium-sized canids that have adapted remarkably well to both rural and urban environments across North America—including metropolitan areas like Atlanta, Georgia. Once native to only the western United States, coyotes have expanded their range drastically due to human development, loss of apex predators, and their highly adaptable nature.

Physical Characteristics

• Weight: 25–45 lbs on average
• Color: Grayish-tan to reddish-gray with white underbellies and black-tipped bushy tails
• Build: Lean, with long legs, erect ears, and a narrow snout
• Lifespan: 6–8 years in the wild; can live longer in captivity

Coyotes are often mistaken for domestic dogs but can be distinguished by their sloped backs, bushier tails, and more pointed facial features.

Reproduction & Denning

• Breeding Season: January through March
• Gestation Period: ~63 days
• Litter Size: 4–7 pups
• Den Sites: Under decks, sheds, culverts, wood piles, storm drains, and thickets

Dens are most commonly established during spring and early summer when pups are born and raised. Coyotes may become more aggressive or visible during this time as they defend territories and search for food.

Diet and Hunting Habits

Coyotes are opportunistic omnivores. In Atlanta, they feed on:

• Small mammals (rabbits, squirrels, rodents)
• Feral cats and small pets
• Insects, fruits, and berries
• Roadkill and garbage
• Birdseed (indirectly by hunting birds or rodents attracted to feeders)

Their adaptable diet allows them to thrive in environments where natural prey may be scarce.

Coyote Behavior in Urban Atlanta

Coyotes in urban areas like Atlanta tend to be more nocturnal to avoid human activity. However, daylight sightings are increasingly common—especially during mating season or when they’ve become habituated to humans. They often follow greenbelts, creeks, and utility easements that act as natural corridors between wooded areas and neighborhoods.

Territorial Range

• Home Range: 2–10 square miles depending on food availability and habitat
• Territorial Behavior: Coyotes may howl, scent-mark, or confront perceived threats to their range, particularly during mating season

Coyotes & the Urban Ecosystem

Despite being viewed as a nuisance, coyotes play a role in controlling populations of rodents, feral cats, and even diseased animals. However, their presence becomes dangerous when they lose fear of humans—especially if fed intentionally or indirectly through unsecured garbage or pet food.

Why Coyote Biology Matters for Removal

Understanding coyote biology is critical to trapping and controlling them effectively. Breeding season, denning locations, and movement patterns all influence how and where traps should be set. At Atlanta Wildlife Solutions, LLC, we tailor each trapping program based on the time of year, terrain, and signs of activity.