08/31/2025
This poor adult coyote was found down and minimally responsive near a roadway, likely after a vehicle collision. While coyotes are considered a nuisance species here in Virginia (per 4VAC15-20-160) and cannot legally be rehabilitated in our state, we were able to humanely euthanize this individual to prevent further suffering - a kindness that this animal certainly needed given the severity of trauma.
After euthanasia, we confirmed with a physical exam, radiographs, and necropsy that this coyote's pelvis had been completely shattered, and he had severe bruising along the lower half of his body, injuries that align with a vehicle strike. The lack of response to handling was explained by the severe bruising over the skull and bleeding around the brain. We were also able to collect samples for multiple research projects that we are involved with at the center, ensuring that this animal contributes to science that will benefit other wildlife, domestic animals, humans, and the environment.
While legally classified as a nuisance, these highly intelligent and resilient animals are a species that naturally spreads to new areas over time. With our native apex predators like wolves and mountain lions having been extirpated by humans, and an overabundance of deer, it was only a matter of time before coyotes found their way into that role (whereas in normal, complete ecosystems, coyotes are generally considered mesopredators).
While many counties in Virginia and other states still employ bounty programs and year-round hunting with no bag limits, even DWR has given presentations on how coyotes are here to stay, and multiple studies show that lethal control is not effective for managing coyote populations. When hunted, these adaptable animals often experience a breakdown of their family group, which consists of a single breeding pair and their offspring from the previous year(s). When that breeding pair is killed or broken up, additional animals will reproduce and allow transient individuals into the area, causing rapid population rebounds. Killing coyotes only makes their population grow.
As is the case for most wildlife, coexistence, not extermination, is the best option for managing coyote populations. Hazing (scaring animals off through loud noises, body language, etc.) is an important tool in teaching your local coyotes that humans are not friendly, and they in turn will teach their pups the same. When these individuals are killed or the family group breaks down, new transient coyotes that could be more bold or don't yet understand how dangerous humans are could become more of an issue than the coyotes you were living with before. Livestock guardian animals and keeping livestock properly contained (like chickens/ducks in properly-secured coops) can help prevent livestock loss to coyotes while maintaining a stable coyote population, keeping transient individuals from moving in. Keeping other food items, like trash or pet food, secured and impossible for wildlife to access can also keep them from associating human dwellings with food.
As always, if you have a concern or an issue with a wild animal in your area, call us for advice based on your unique situation. While coyotes can not be rehabilitated, we're thankful to have been given the opportunity to prevent further suffering for this individual, and to have his story educate others on the many misunderstandings around this species.
