Coyote Activity Intelligence Map
An interactive 24-hour simulation of coyote movement across a generalized suburban landscape, modeled on GPS telemetry data from diverse urban wildlife studies. Observe behaviors of Alpha residents versus Transients to better understand local activity flow.
Research Foundation
This 24-hour visualizer is grounded in peer-reviewed wildlife research and multi-year GPS telemetry studies from urban coyote populations.
Crepuscular Behavior
Coyotes are primarily crepuscular — most active at dawn (5–8am) and dusk (5–8pm). During the daytime window, activity drops sharply, reaching its lowest point between 10am–2pm. GPS collar data from multiple urban studies confirms near-zero displacement during midday heat.
Source: Cook County Coyote Project / OSU Urban Coyote Research
Transients vs Residents
Urban populations consist of "resident packs" (Alphas and their pups) that defend an established territory, and "transients" (often sub-adults) that roam widely across city grids. Transients travel more erratically and cover much larger, unpredictable distances as they search for vacancies.
Source: Journal of Mammalogy: Urban Coyote Spatial Ecology
Nocturnal Ascendancy
In highly suburbanized areas, coyotes shift to an almost exclusively nocturnal schedule to avoid human interaction. They utilize the late night hours (10pm - 4am) to traverse extensive distances, often bypassing residential yards to scavenge unsecured organics.
Source: National Park Service Urban Wildlife Study
Home Range & Corridors
Urban coyote home ranges average 5–12 km² for mated pairs. They preferentially use linear features — creek corridors, greenway trails, utility easements — as travel routes. These corridors create predictable intersection points with human activity zones.
Source: Urban Coyote Research Program, 2023
Use This Intelligence Wisely
This activity model represents typical behavioral patterns — not a guarantee of specific coyote locations. Use it to inform your daily routines, especially during high-activity windows.
6 AM – 9 AM
Dawn Priority Awareness
Returning foragers passing through neighborhoods. Keep pets directly leashed on morning walks.
10 AM – 2 PM
Midday Minimum
Coyotes are typically resting deeply in dense cover. Normal outdoor activity is generally safe.
5 PM – 8 PM
Dusk Foraging
Residents emerge. Heightened awareness required near parks, trails, and creek corridors.
10 PM – 4 AM
Deep Night Grid
High transient movement. Secure all property perimeters and keep all domestic pets indoors.
Vigilant Pets Activity Intelligence is provided for educational footprint planning. Always Share unusual daytime sightings.