Imagine stepping out onto your porch at dawn, only to spot a coyote trotting down the sidewalk instead of the usual neighborhood cat. Across the United States, this surprising reality is becoming more common than ever. Coyotes, those clever, adaptable canines, are silently taking over urban landscapes, sometimes outnumbering domestic cats in places you’d never expect. As cities expand and wild spaces shrink, these resilient animals find new homes right in our backyards—reshaping the balance between wild and domestic life. If you thought coyotes belonged only in distant deserts and forests, think again. Here are thirteen American cities where coyotes have quietly become the top urban predator, now even outnumbering cats.
13. Portland
Portland’s lush parks and green spaces have become a haven for coyotes, who are thriving here more than ever before. Residents often report sightings, sometimes in broad daylight, of these canny creatures roaming through neighborhoods. With the city’s push for eco-friendly living, fewer stray cats roam the streets, and the coyote population has filled that gap. Animal control teams have even noted how coyote sightings sometimes outpace calls about missing or feral cats. Schools and pet owners are regularly reminded to keep animals indoors, especially at night. Portland’s commitment to native plants and wildlife corridors has unintentionally made it easier for coyotes to settle in. Over time, the city has shifted from being a cat-friendly place to a surprising stronghold for urban coyotes.
12. Denver
Denver, nestled against the Rocky Mountains, has always been a place where wildlife and city life mix. In recent years, the coyote population has exploded, with these adaptable animals often seen trotting along bike paths and through suburban yards. Local animal welfare groups have observed a steady decline in street cat numbers, while coyote dens have popped up in parks and even golf courses. Residents are now more likely to spot a coyote than a stray cat during an early morning jog. The city’s open spaces and sprawling suburbs create perfect hunting grounds for coyotes, who quickly fill any ecological void left by declining feral cat populations. Denver’s city officials regularly remind pet owners to be vigilant, as the new “top dog” in town is no longer a housecat.
11. Chicago
Chicago might be world-famous for its deep-dish pizza, but its growing coyote population is gaining its own notoriety. Urban researchers have documented hundreds of coyotes living right within city limits, using the labyrinth of alleys, railway corridors, and parks as their territory. Once, stray cats were a common sight in the Windy City, but now coyotes have become the dominant urban predator. Surveillance cameras have captured them crossing busy intersections at night, hunting rodents and, increasingly, filling the ecological niche once held by feral cats. Residents are often shocked to hear yips and howls echoing through city streets after dark. Chicago’s coyotes have adapted so well that they even thrive downtown, proving how wild nature can reclaim urban spaces in unexpected ways.
10. Seattle
Seattle’s rainy climate and abundance of greenbelts have created a perfect storm for coyote expansion. Where neighborhoods once overflowed with outdoor cats, now coyotes are more frequently spotted slinking through backyards and parks. Local wildlife agencies have confirmed that coyote populations have dramatically increased, while cat rescue groups report fewer stray cats found each year. The city’s interconnected system of parks and wooded areas acts as a natural highway for these clever predators. Residents have learned to double-check fences and keep pets indoors after a string of coyote sightings in unexpected places, from schoolyards to busy intersections. As a result, Seattle’s wild side is becoming more pronounced, with coyotes now taking center stage over the city’s feline residents.
9. Los Angeles
Los Angeles is often associated with movie stars, palm trees, and endless sunshine—yet it’s also home to one of the nation’s most booming urban coyote populations. These wily animals have adapted to every corner of the sprawling metropolis, from the Hollywood Hills to the beaches of Santa Monica. Years ago, colonies of feral cats thrived here, but recent studies show that coyotes now outnumber cats in several districts. The city’s patchwork of parks, golf courses, and canyons provides ideal cover for coyotes to hunt and raise pups. Residents often share startling stories of coyotes strolling down Sunset Boulevard or snatching unattended pet food left on porches. In L.A., the coyote’s urban takeover is as dramatic as any Hollywood plot twist.
8. San Antonio
San Antonio’s unique blend of urban sprawl and surrounding wildlands has paved the way for coyotes to move in and multiply. Wildlife officials have documented a sharp increase in coyote sightings, often at times and places where stray cats used to be common. Coyotes have adapted to the city’s heat and bustling neighborhoods, hunting at night and slipping through alleys with ease. Pet owners regularly receive warnings to keep cats indoors, as missing cat reports have dropped while coyote calls have surged. Even the famed River Walk isn’t immune to the occasional coyote sighting. San Antonio’s residents are learning to coexist with these new neighbors, as the city’s animal landscape shifts from feline to canine dominance.
7. Atlanta
Atlanta’s dense suburbs and vast woodlands once supported a healthy stray cat population, but coyotes have recently taken over as the most visible urban predator. Animal control teams are now fielding more coyote calls than cat complaints, a clear sign of the shifting balance. These resourceful animals have woven themselves into the fabric of Atlanta’s neighborhoods, using creeks and tree-lined corridors as routes into the heart of the city. Reports of missing cats have decreased as coyote encounters become more frequent, especially near parks and undeveloped plots. Residents often hear their distinctive yips echoing at night, a reminder that the wild is never far away. Atlanta’s new reality is one where coyotes are king, quietly outnumbering cats across the metro area.
6. Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City’s growth has brought people and wildlife into closer contact, and coyotes have seized the opportunity. With fewer stray cats roaming the streets, these clever canines now outnumber felines in many neighborhoods. Wildlife officials attribute this to a combination of urban expansion and effective coyote adaptation strategies. The city’s patchwork of parks, rivers, and foothills allows coyotes to move freely and hunt efficiently. Residents have adjusted their routines, keeping pets indoors at dusk and reinforcing backyard fences. Animal enthusiasts are captivated by how quickly coyotes have filled the ecological gap left by cats, turning Salt Lake City into an unexpected urban wildlife hotspot.
5. Phoenix
Phoenix’s sprawling desert landscape, once a playground for both feral cats and wild coyotes, now tilts heavily in favor of the latter. The city’s rapid growth hasn’t deterred its coyote population; instead, it has provided more opportunities for food and shelter. Coyotes are often seen darting across roads or slipping through golf courses at dawn, while reports of stray cats have dropped sharply. Local animal shelters note a decrease in cat intakes, reflecting the growing dominance of coyotes in the area. Residents are urged to be vigilant, especially in neighborhoods bordering the city’s many washes and open spaces. The desert’s wild spirit is alive and well in Phoenix, with coyotes now firmly in the lead.
4. Dallas
Dallas, with its mix of urban neighborhoods and sprawling suburbs, has seen a dramatic uptick in coyote encounters. Once, stray cats were a common sight, but now coyotes seem to have taken over, outnumbering cats in several districts. Animal control units report a steady increase in coyote sightings, while missing cat reports dwindle. Coyotes have learned to navigate the city’s highways, parks, and even backyard pools, making Dallas a true urban wilderness. Residents now see these animals as a regular part of city life, sometimes spotting them on their morning commutes. The shift from cats to coyotes as the top urban animal has been swift, leaving many Dallas residents amazed at nature’s adaptability.
3. Minneapolis
Minneapolis, known for its lakes and green spaces, is now witnessing a remarkable rise in urban coyotes. Residents used to worry about stray cats, but now coyotes are the ones prowling the night. Local animal groups have noticed a significant drop in feral cat colonies, while coyote sightings rise with each passing year. These animals have mastered the art of city living, using trails, parks, and even frozen lakes to move around undetected. Pet owners are advised to keep their animals indoors, as coyotes have become the new rulers of Minneapolis’s animal kingdom. The city’s landscape is changing, and coyotes are leading the charge.
2. San Francisco
San Francisco’s iconic hills, parks, and foggy nights are the perfect backdrop for the city’s thriving coyote population. Once known for its vibrant stray cat communities, the city now has more coyotes than cats in many neighborhoods. Wildlife experts have tracked their movements from Golden Gate Park to the Presidio, where they outnumber cats and often hunt unchallenged. Residents are both fascinated and cautious, as coyotes become a common sight on evening walks. The city’s animal control teams have shifted their focus, reflecting the new dominance of coyotes over cats. San Francisco’s wild side is on full display, with these clever canines now in command.
1. New York City
New York City might be the last place you’d expect to find more coyotes than cats, but recent surveys reveal that’s exactly what’s happening. The city’s vast parks, abandoned lots, and greenways have become prime real estate for coyotes. Once, stray and feral cats were everywhere, but today, coyotes are taking over, especially in the outer boroughs and along the city’s edges. Wildlife biologists have tracked their expansion, noting that coyotes are now spotted in places as unlikely as Central Park and the Bronx. Residents are often startled by the eerie howls that echo between skyscrapers at night, a haunting reminder that nature is always closer than we think. In the city that never sleeps, coyotes have become the new urban survivor, quietly outnumbering their feline counterparts.
Conclusion
Coyotes have adapted with remarkable speed to urban environments, quietly overtaking cats in cities from coast to coast. Their story is one of resilience, cleverness, and an ability to thrive where few wild animals dare. As America’s cities continue to change, coyotes remind us that the wild can flourish alongside the familiar—sometimes in the most surprising ways. Did you ever imagine so many city streets would belong to coyotes?
As a little kid, I fell in love with nature, wildlife, and animals. Living in the USA, South Africa, Italy, China and Germany gave me the opportunity to discover the world's Wildlife. My favorite animals are Mountain Gorillas, Siberian Tigers, and Great White Sharks.
I'm a certified PADI Open Water Diver, went to Everest Base Camp and Trekked Gorillas in Uganda. I hold a Master of Science in Economics and Finance.
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