2003 PRC Winter Hike

Ross Kushner, Executive Director of the Pequannock River Coalition, points out Eastern Coyote (Canis latrans) tracks during the 2003 PRC Winter Hike. Eastern Coyotes have been noted in all 21 counties of New Jersey. The Coyote population was estimated at less than 100 individuals in 1975 and today there are more than 3000 of these predators in the state. Based on habitat and suggested winter populations, New Jersey can support 5000 Coyotes. During the 1997 through 2000 winter Coyote hunting seasons, only 28 animals were harvested ( 1-archery, 7-muzzleloader, 20-shotgun), a testament to their cunningly elusive nature. West Milford and eastern Sussex County have the highest number of Coyote reports in the state of New Jersey.

Source: The Eastern Coyote in New Jersey, Andrew Burnett, NJFW Programs and Research, Vol. 16, No. 1, August 2002