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How to Track Where Coyotes Live

Tracking coyotes is a difficult task. Their footprints are difficult to find and often disappear. You may track them for short periods and then lose the trail entirely. Or, when looking for the den, you may track back to a den they are no longer using. Coyote families usually have several dens ready in case the active den gets disturbed. The best time to track coyotes is in the early morning after it rains. Tracks are easy to see in the moist ground and you can track them back to their den. Tracking is also easier on fresh snow.

Things You'll Need

Measuring tape

Instructions

- 1
  Search for coyote tracks in an area where coyotes are known to live. Coyotes can live in just about any location, including cities, so it is best to start in an area where coyotes have been spotted.
- 2
  Analyze the track to see if they fit the typical coyote footprint. The tracks look like dog tracks but the most noticeable distance is that the inner toes are closer together. The tracks should look like the back feet are landing almost exactly in the print of the front foot. So, the back left foot will step exactly where the front right foot stepped.
- 3
  Measure the prints to ensure they are the right fit. Coyote tracks are 2-1/2 to 6 inches between the paws -- from the outside edge of the left foot print to the outside edge of the right footprint. The distance between the top of one foot print and the top of the next foot print (on the same side) averages 20 inches.
- 4
  Follow the tracks carefully. You may lose the trail at times but scan around and see if you can pick it up several feet away. Look for disturbed ground and partial footprints. Follow the tracks back to the den.

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