Montana’s vast wilderness, from open plains to high mountain valleys, is home to one of North America’s most adaptable predators: the coyote. These clever animals have learned to survive in nearly every environment across the state, from dry grasslands to snowy forests.
Although all coyotes belong to the same species (Canis latrans), they show clear regional differences in size, color, and behavior. Each type has adapted to its surroundings, whether in the cold northern borderlands or the warmer city outskirts near Bozeman and Billings.
This guide introduces the 6 types of coyotes found in Montana, with identification details, habitat notes, hunting habits, and the best places to observe them in the wild.
Different Types of Coyotes Found in Montana
Plains Coyote (Canis latrans latrans)
The Plains Coyote is the most common and widely distributed coyote subspecies in Montana, thriving across the state’s vast eastern plains. It is relatively small compared to its mountain counterparts, weighing between 25 to 35 pounds, with a sleek, narrow build designed for long-distance running across open terrain. Its coat is typically light gray or yellowish-gray with buff-colored sides and white underparts, blending perfectly with the dry grasslands and prairie vegetation.
In terms of behavior, the Plains Coyote is highly adaptable and intelligent, often living in small family units or pairs. It is mostly nocturnal but may also be active during early mornings and late afternoons, especially in rural areas with little human activity. Its calls—howls, yips, and barks—are a common sound across Montana’s eastern plains, serving to communicate with other coyotes and mark territory boundaries.
This coyote’s diet is remarkably diverse, including small mammals like voles, ground squirrels, and rabbits, as well as insects, fruits, and carrion. During farming seasons, they may occasionally scavenge around farmlands, feeding on rodents attracted to grain fields. Their hunting strategy relies on patience and acute hearing, allowing them to detect even faint rustles in the tall grass.
The best time to observe Plains Coyotes in Montana is during the early morning or dusk hours, especially near open rangelands and rural backroads east of Billings or around the Missouri River Basin. Winter sightings are also frequent when snow cover makes them more visible as they travel across open terrain in search of prey.
A fun fact about the Plains Coyote is its incredible adaptability: despite human expansion, its population has not declined—in fact, it has grown. This subspecies has learned to coexist near farms, highways, and even small towns, earning it the nickname “the ghost of the prairie” for its elusive yet ever-present nature.
Mountain Coyote (Canis latrans lestes)
The Mountain Coyote dominates western Montana’s rugged landscapes, from Glacier National Park down through the Bitterroot and Beaverhead ranges. Larger and sturdier than its plains relative, the Mountain Coyote can weigh between 35 and 45 pounds, with a fuller body and bushy tail tipped with black. Its fur is longer and denser, typically gray-brown with darker tones that offer camouflage in the forest shadows and snowy backdrops of Montana’s mountain valleys.
Mountain Coyotes are well adapted to the challenging alpine and subalpine habitats they inhabit. They roam at elevations up to 9,000 feet, traveling along forest trails, river valleys, and snow-covered meadows. Their endurance and agility allow them to navigate steep, rocky terrain with ease. They are primarily nocturnal or crepuscular but may be seen in daylight hours during the quiet of winter when human activity is low.
These coyotes are opportunistic predators, feeding mainly on snowshoe hares, marmots, and small deer. In the colder months, they scavenge on elk or deer carcasses left by wolves or mountain lions, playing an important role as nature’s cleanup crew. They also hunt rodents under the snow using their keen hearing—leaping and pouncing with precision once they pinpoint a sound beneath the surface.
For wildlife watchers, the best time to observe Mountain Coyotes is in winter and early spring, when they travel along open ridgelines and meadows. Popular locations include the Bitterroot Valley, Gallatin Range, and Glacier National Park. Their tracks, often alongside those of elk or deer, are a common sight in the snow.
A fascinating fact about the Mountain Coyote is that its dense winter coat can grow so thick it was once prized by trappers in the early 20th century. However, today, these coyotes are more appreciated as resilient survivors and important members of Montana’s mountain ecosystems.
High Plains Coyote
The High Plains Coyote is an intermediate form found in central Montana, where rolling prairies meet the rising foothills of the Rockies. This regional variation combines features of both the Plains and Mountain coyotes, displaying a medium build—typically 30 to 40 pounds—with a coat that varies from pale gray to reddish-tan, depending on the season and surrounding terrain. Its adaptability to both open plains and upland regions makes it one of the most versatile canids in Montana.
These coyotes are active throughout the year and can be seen hunting in open fields, dry riverbeds, and mixed-grass prairies. They are highly territorial but less aggressive than wolves, often marking their range with scent posts and vocalizations. High Plains Coyotes live in pairs or small packs, especially during the breeding season in late winter, when their haunting howls echo across the valleys.
In terms of diet, the High Plains Coyote primarily feeds on small rodents, prairie dogs, and ground-nesting birds. They also eat fruits and insects in summer, showing remarkable dietary flexibility. During harsh winters, they scavenge near livestock areas or follow herds of deer to feed on remains of winter casualties. This opportunistic feeding behavior allows them to survive in areas where food availability fluctuates drastically with the seasons.
Birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts can often spot High Plains Coyotes at dawn or dusk along river valleys such as the Musselshell and Yellowstone. They are less wary than mountain types and may occasionally cross roads or open fields near rural towns, especially during spring denning season when adults hunt more frequently to feed pups.
An interesting fact about this type is that it serves as a genetic bridge between Montana’s eastern and western coyote populations. Studies have shown that High Plains Coyotes often interbreed with neighboring subspecies, creating subtle variations in coat color and size—proof of how adaptable and evolutionarily successful coyotes have become across the state.
Northern Coyote
The Northern Coyote thrives along Montana’s northern border, especially near Glacier National Park and the Canadian boundary. This regional type is well-suited to the frigid winters and snowy conditions that dominate much of northern Montana. With a body weight ranging from 35 to 45 pounds, it is stockier and covered with exceptionally dense fur—grayish-beige in color with thick undercoats that help it retain heat even at subzero temperatures. Its fluffy tail and pointed ears are smaller relative to its body size, reducing heat loss during the coldest months.
These coyotes are primarily nocturnal hunters, though they may be spotted during the day in remote, open fields or forest edges. They have adapted to long, harsh winters by traveling great distances in search of prey. Northern Coyotes are known to move in small family units and sometimes form temporary hunting partnerships to increase their success in deep snow environments. Their endurance allows them to travel several miles in a single night.
Their diet is heavily influenced by the season. During summer and fall, they feed on rodents, hares, and ground-nesting birds. In winter, when prey becomes scarce, they often scavenge on carcasses of deer, elk, or livestock that succumb to the cold. They are also capable of taking down weakened deer, demonstrating both cunning and teamwork during the hunt.
The best time to observe Northern Coyotes is during early morning or dusk along the northern plains and parklands near Cut Bank, Shelby, or the Hi-Line region. Winter sightings are particularly striking, as their thick coats stand out vividly against the white snow. Their haunting howls echoing through frozen fields are one of Montana’s signature winter sounds.
A fun fact about Northern Coyotes is their fur quality—once highly prized by trappers for its density and durability. However, today these animals are better appreciated as resilient predators, vital to controlling rodent populations and maintaining ecological balance in Montana’s northernmost habitats.
Urban or Suburban Coyote
The Urban or Suburban Coyote represents one of Montana’s most recent wildlife success stories. Once shy of humans, these coyotes have adapted remarkably well to living near cities such as Billings, Bozeman, Missoula, and Helena. Typically smaller than their rural relatives, they weigh around 25 to 30 pounds, with thinner, lighter-colored coats due to the warmer temperatures and less severe winters in urban environments. Their sleek, agile frames allow them to move easily through neighborhoods, parks, and river corridors that cut through city landscapes.
Urban Coyotes display exceptional intelligence and problem-solving skills. They often travel at night to avoid people, using storm drains, greenbelts, and rail lines as movement corridors. Despite their proximity to humans, they remain cautious and elusive, usually spotted only briefly at dawn or dusk. These coyotes rarely form large packs; instead, they live in small family groups or as solitary wanderers within loosely defined territories.
Their diet is highly opportunistic. In urban areas, they scavenge pet food, garbage, and roadkill but also help control pests such as rats, mice, and rabbits. They may even feed on fruits and berries from ornamental trees. While their scavenging behavior can cause conflicts with humans, they play a surprising role in maintaining ecological balance within city limits by reducing populations of nuisance animals.
The best chances to see Urban Coyotes are in early mornings along green spaces, golf courses, and trails near city outskirts. Residents occasionally hear their yips and howls echoing from river valleys or wooded neighborhoods, especially during breeding season in late winter. Observing them requires discretion—these coyotes are wary but curious and often watch from a distance.
A fascinating fact about Urban Coyotes is their learned ability to recognize human activity patterns. Studies show they can distinguish between weekdays and weekends, adjusting their movement times to avoid busier hours. This behavioral intelligence has made them one of the most successful urban wildlife species in North America.
Prairie–Forest Hybrid Coyote
The Prairie–Forest Hybrid Coyote occupies Montana’s central transition zones, where open grasslands blend into forested hills. This type exhibits physical and behavioral traits from both the Plains and Mountain coyotes, making it a fascinating example of natural hybridization. It typically weighs between 30 and 40 pounds, with a coat that ranges from light gray to dark brown depending on seasonal shedding and habitat. Its adaptable appearance allows it to blend easily into mixed habitats of sagebrush, meadows, and scattered pine woodlands.
Behaviorally, these coyotes are among the most flexible in Montana. They can hunt effectively in open fields like the Plains Coyote but also navigate forest edges and river valleys like their Mountain counterparts. They are active both day and night depending on local conditions, often seen trotting along ridgelines or near agricultural lands where food sources are abundant. Their social structures vary—pairs are common, though small packs form during pup-rearing season.
Their diet shifts dramatically with the seasons. In summer, Prairie–Forest Coyotes hunt rodents, birds, and insects, while in fall and winter, they rely more on deer carcasses or livestock remains. In agricultural zones, they help control pest species, indirectly benefiting farmers. This ecological adaptability allows them to thrive even in areas heavily influenced by human activity.
For observers, the best time to spot Prairie–Forest Coyotes is around dawn or dusk in central Montana regions such as Lewistown, Roundup, or the Little Belt Mountains’ foothills. They are often detected first by sound rather than sight—their howls are less sharp and more melodic than the Plains type. During spring, their pups can sometimes be seen playing near den entrances hidden along wooded slopes.
An interesting fact about this coyote type is its role as a genetic bridge between distinct populations. Because it interbreeds freely with both Plains and Mountain Coyotes, the Prairie–Forest Hybrid helps maintain Montana’s coyote population’s overall health and genetic diversity, ensuring the species’ long-term resilience in the face of environmental changes.
FAQs About Coyotes in Montana
What types of coyotes live in Montana?
Montana is home to several regional types of coyotes, including the Plains Coyote, Mountain Coyote, High Plains Coyote, Northern Coyote, Urban or Suburban Coyote, and the Prairie–Forest Hybrid Coyote. Each has adapted to different habitats across the state—from the dry eastern plains to the snowy mountain valleys and urban fringes. While all belong to the same species (Canis latrans), they show unique variations in size, fur color, and behavior depending on their environment.
Are coyotes common in Montana?
Yes, coyotes are extremely common across Montana and can be found in every county. They thrive in nearly every ecosystem—from open grasslands and mountain forests to rural farmlands and even city outskirts. Their adaptability and wide-ranging diet make them one of the state’s most successful predators. You’re just as likely to hear their howls echoing through a mountain valley as you are to glimpse one trotting across a snowy prairie.
Are coyotes dangerous to humans or pets?
Coyotes in Montana generally avoid direct contact with humans, but they can pose a threat to small pets if left unattended outdoors, especially at night. Most encounters are non-aggressive, and coyotes will flee when confronted. However, urban coyotes may become bolder around neighborhoods where food waste or pet food is easily accessible. Keeping garbage sealed and pets indoors at night helps prevent conflicts.
When is the best time to see coyotes in Montana?
The best times to observe coyotes in Montana are early morning and dusk, when they are most active. In winter, they’re more visible as they travel across open snowfields in search of food. Excellent viewing locations include Yellowstone National Park, Glacier National Park, and the northern and eastern plains, where howling choruses can often be heard during breeding season in late winter and early spring.
What do coyotes eat in Montana?
Coyotes are omnivorous and highly adaptable hunters. Their diet primarily includes rodents, rabbits, and birds, but they also eat fruits, insects, and carrion. In rural areas, they may scavenge on livestock remains or hunt small deer, especially during harsh winters. Urban coyotes supplement their diet with pet food, garbage, and fallen fruit from trees. Their ability to adjust their diet according to season and habitat is a key reason for their survival success.
Do Montana coyotes form packs like wolves?
Unlike wolves, coyotes do not typically live in large packs. Most coyotes form small family groups consisting of a mating pair and their offspring. During breeding season or while raising pups, they show strong territorial behavior. However, in times of food abundance or harsh winters, they may temporarily cooperate with neighboring coyotes to hunt or scavenge together.
Can you hunt or trap coyotes in Montana?
Yes, coyote hunting and trapping are legal year-round in Montana because they are classified as non-game predators. However, hunters must follow state regulations and respect private property laws. Many ranchers and wildlife managers encourage responsible coyote management to balance predator–prey relationships, especially in livestock areas. Always check the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) website for updated hunting regulations.
Do coyotes have any natural predators in Montana?
Coyotes have few natural predators in Montana, but wolves, mountain lions, and bobcats occasionally prey on them or compete for food. Golden eagles may attack young pups, and harsh winters can lead to natural mortality. Despite these pressures, coyotes remain resilient and maintain stable populations across the state due to their intelligence, adaptability, and high reproductive rates.
What’s the difference between a coyote and a wolf in Montana?
Coyotes are smaller, typically weighing 25–40 pounds, while wolves are much larger at 80–120 pounds. Coyotes have slender bodies, narrow snouts, and bushy tails, while wolves appear broader with blockier heads. Coyotes usually travel alone or in pairs, and their high-pitched yips and barks differ from the deep, drawn-out howls of wolves. Sightings of both can occur in overlapping habitats, especially in western and northern Montana.
Why are coyotes important to Montana’s ecosystem?
Coyotes play a crucial ecological role as medium-sized predators that help control rodent and rabbit populations. By keeping small mammal numbers in check, they prevent overgrazing and maintain habitat balance for other wildlife species. Coyotes also act as scavengers, cleaning up carrion and reducing disease spread. Their adaptability ensures that even as landscapes change, they continue to serve as a key stabilizing force in Montana’s ecosystems.
