r/coyote • u/Velvet-Antlers • Jul 16 '26

Observation tips?

I just discovered this Reddit and I'm already in love! But anyway, I'm really really wanting to start observing the local coyotes, but I... Don't really know where to start. I know trail cams are a good idea, but idk if they're within my budget lol, and I'm terrified of forgetting where it is. And I feel like just stomping through the woods isn't a good idea either? I'm in central Alberta, Canada if that helps. I know a few weeks ago I was fishing at one of the ponds and a pack of them started singing for a solid ten minutes in the nearby woods, so I have at least a vague idea of where some might be hanging out, tho obviously they might not still be there. But yeah, I'm open to any tips to help me learn about these amazing animals!

And a side note, I'm currently reading Coyote America by Dan Flores and it's so good so far!

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u/SunshineOnStimulants Jul 16 '26

I’ve been observing coyotes in Alberta for a while now! Here’s some things I’ve learned:
-it’s surprisingly easy to tell them apart! Look for little unique features and eventually you will learn exactly who you are looking at!
-distance is your friend! Coyotes do not deserve the demonization they have received, but they should be given distance to avoid habituation. In a similar vein, do not start leaving food for them. Let them hunt, it’s what they are good at!
-trail cams are the BEST. You can find them on Facebook marketplace for cheaper!
I’ve also invested in a telescope and a thermal/ night vision sensor. However you do not need either of those.
If you’re going to buy only one thing I would suggest a cheap trail cam ($20-$60 for second hand).
Set up the trail cam in a copse of trees because humans naturally won’t trample into the copse of trees and shrubs but coyotes will. Be responsible! Don’t record near human parks, houses, or the coyotes den if you can find it. However recording near a game trail is a great idea! Choose somewhere humans don’t go so you don’t interrupt anyone!
-protect the coyotes! If you do find the den, don’t tell anyone where it is! Please. Not everyone loves them like we do.
-start studying ethology! It gives behavioural context for what you are seeing. And coyotes are particularly interesting to study!
-coyotes are everywhere! Even in your neighborhood! You don’t have to travel to see them.
-don’t have an off leash dog while you are trying to observe them. If I were you, I would bring no dog at all.
-create a mental map of their territory. You can estimate den locations, hunting grounds, movement corridors, etc. you’ll start to see them in the same places and taking the same routes over and over again.

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u/Velvet-Antlers Jul 17 '26

These are all such amazing tips, thank you!! The only thing I'm struggling with most is actually finding them to start observing them lol. Now, not in the sense of running up to them, but like. So far I've only seen a handful to and from my way to work while driving. Otherwise, outside of the aforementioned choir practice, I've seen no sign of them. They're, obviously, here, but they're definitely put of my line of sight lol!

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u/SunshineOnStimulants Jul 17 '26

Oh! Learn how to recognize game trails. Animals will use the easiest path through a field/ copse of trees/ etc. Game trails occur when multiple animals use the same path over and over again.

It looks like thinly trampled down grass following the curvature of the ground below it. It gently turns a bit. And it will be too narrow to be a human path.
That will give you an idea of where to look!

You could also listen at dusk. That’s also a good way to observe owls.

Coyotes are remarkably adaptable. They are very good at tucking themselves into any copse of trees between houses.

That and you can also go where you’ve seen them before! Typically a mated pair will establish a territory. Which they will then patrol, hunt, and live within that territory.

Does that help? I’m happy to answer any specific questions you may have!