Eastern Coyotes: Myths & Truths

Photograph by  Cindy Goeddel 

Whether you have seen them or not, coyotes are all around us. Once restricted to the American southwest and parts of Mexico, coyotes can now be found in every US state and territory except Hawaii. Coyotes thrive in deserts, icy northern woodlands, and even the tropical forests of Central America. Perhaps even more impressively, these fascinating animals have found a home in the heart of many of our largest cities, including LA, Chicago, New York, and Philadelphia.

At the same time, coyotes are the most hunted predator animal in North America. So how did we get here? How did one of the most hated animals in the US become so successful in the face of 100 years of attempted eradication? And how did we as a society come to the conclusion that they should be eradicated in the first place?   

To answer these questions, we will first dive into the history of human and coyote interaction, starting with Native American mythology and branching out into European stories about wolves. We will discuss how these ancient stories have shaped our modern understanding of the coyote. There will then be a short break for questions before we move onto the second part of the presentation which will revolve around the coyote itself; its biology, its natural history, and its role in the ecosystem. We will also attempt to dispel some common misconceptions regarding coyotes and suggest some ways our two species can better co-exist.

This program is hosted by the Horn Farm Center and will take place indoors at the Hellam Township Municipal Building at 35 Walnut Springs Road, York, PA 17406. 

About the Instructor: Tess Wilson

Born and raised in Lancaster county, Tess Wilson is a graduate of College of the Atlantic where she studied Human Ecology with a focus on environmental education. She completed her senior project on eastern coyotes and their relationships to humans. Driven by a lifelong interest in wild canines, Tess gained her first experience tracking and studying coyotes in Minnesota through the Audubon Society of the North Woods. 

Program Notes:

All programs are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances including inclement weather. Participants will receive an email in the days preceding the program for any changes or cancellations. You can review our current Cancellation and Refund Policy here.