Around the Jersey shore The Eastern Coyote – Elusive, Adaptable, And Opportunistic

By Renee A. Thomaier Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

The Eastern Coyote is considered a wild member of the canine family. They occupy most municipalities in New Jersey. Coyotes are extremely adaptable and maintain a low profile. They are wary of people and rarely display aggressive behavior. Property damage attributable to coyotes is low. They arrived in our state approximately 80 years ago. Coyotes grow to about three to four feet in length and approximately 20-24 inches in height. The weight of a male can range between 30-45 pounds, whereas the female, between 26 and 40 pounds.

Coyotes diversify their diet and are considered opportunistic omnivores, consuming small to large prey such as insects, voles, frogs, rabbits, young deer, injured deer, and raccoons. When they are unable to obtain meat, they will easily consume nuts, fruits, and eggs. Although not their first choice, during lean times when natural sources are not available, they will even consume pet food and bird seed. Chances of a coyote raiding your trash can is very rare.

Coyotes live as a lifelong bonded mated pair and occasionally with those young born of that year. Mating occurs during the months of January to March and the gestation period is 60-63 days. Birthing is done in a den dug out by the female, but she often will search for an existing abandoned burrow. Four to seven pups are common but on occasion litters can range from one to twelve. Pups are weaned between five and nine weeks. Their first reproductive cycle occurs at 10 months, but more often breeding occurs at two years. Their lifespan in the wild is 10-14 years.

Since the gray wolf population was extirpated from most of the northeast, coyotes fill an important ecological niche, preying on similar animals as the wolf. They thrive in suburban areas and when no top predator is present, will feed on songbirds, turtles, cats and red fox.

Possession or use of any steel-jawed leghold type traps are illegal in New Jersey. The information for this article from was gathered through multiple sources so statistics may vary slightly. To reach me please call 732-244-2768.

It is illegal to possess or relocate wildlife for any reason without the proper state and/ or federal permits. Violating New Jersey laws protecting wildlife, which includes harm inflicted upon any animal, are punishable by law.

Vo-Tech Open House

OCEAN COUNTY – The Ocean County Vocational Technical School would like to invite you to their Open House Event on February 2. Take advantage of this opportunity to explore the diverse programs and career paths offered by OCVTS. The school is committed to their mission of preparing students for job placement or continuing education, including college.

Who Should Attend? High school students/ parents, graduating seniors and adult learners. Choose from over 30 Career Training Programs for High School Students & Adults.

Tour our State-of-the-Art Facilities

Meet & Talk with Program Instructors

Observe Student Demonstrations & More

Locations: Toms River Center, Brick Center, Jackson Center, Waretown Center, Grunin Performing Arts Center, Little Egg Harbor (Cuisine on the Green).

Graduating seniors & adults come to a special info session just prior to open house from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Toms River Location.

Have Questions? Email: admissions@ mail.ocvts.org.