Coyote Awareness Week
Inspiring appreciation for America's Song Dog
Coyotes represent the pinnacle of unethical and unscientific wildlife “management” in the U.S. This culturally iconic species faces relentless persecution, despite decades of unsuccessful extermination attempts by the U.S. government. Their resiliency and adaptability, rather than being celebrated, has left them vulnerable to inadequate protections that result in at least 1 coyote killed every minute in the United States. Scientific research demonstrates the ineffectiveness of lethal “management” of coyotes—a practice that can increase human-wildlife conflict and increase coyote populations—and the beneficial ecosystem services coyotes provide. In both rural and urban environments, coyotes regulate rodent populations, limit disease transmission, keep communities cleaner by scavenging carrion, and limit mesocarnivore populations (e.g. racoons, skunks, and foxes) thereby increasing bird diversity and abundance. Increased appreciation for coyotes is critically needed to reform outdated wildlife policies and end the unjust persecution of this intrinsically and ecologically valuable species.
Our Solution
Project Coyote created Coyote Awareness Week, an annual holiday during the 3rd week of March, to raise awareness about the intense persecution and misunderstanding coyotes face and the importance of compassionate coexistence. By partnering with coalitions, nature photographers, artists, educators, and wildlife advocates across the country, Project Coyote ensures diverse new audiences learn about coyote ecology, behavior, and coexistence throughout the holiday. We believe that if we can change hearts and minds about coyotes, the world will be a more compassionate place for all wild lives.
Take The Coyote Pledge
Amplify Coyote Awareness Week
Download our 2025 Coyote Awareness Week Toolkit to learn how to participate
Coyote Awareness Week Partners
Partnering organizations that have taken the Coyote Pledge:
Take The Coyote Pledge!
Coyote Awareness Week was created to increase appreciation for America’s Song Dog and help end the unjust persecution of this intrinsically and ecologically valuable species. This week is centered on teaching communities nationwide about coyote ecology, behavior, and compassionate coexistence. We believe that if we can change hearts and minds about coyotes, the world will be a more compassionate place for all wild lives. We invite you to sign the “Coyote Pledge” below and join us in making the world a more compassionate place for coyotes.
I’m proudly signing the Coyote Pledge to:
- Recognize the Importance of Coyotes: Take responsibility to learn about the critical role coyotes serve in our ecosystems, helping to maintain biodiversity and healthy environments.
- Dispel Myths and Misconceptions: Share accurate information about coyotes in your community (in-person and on social media) to address common myths to promote understanding and reduce fear.
- Support Community Coexistence Efforts: Learn how to keep coyotes wild through humane hazing and reduce attractants that can lead to habituation in your yard and community. Together we can positively manage interactions between humans and coyotes in urban, suburban, and rural areas.
- Educate and Inspire Action: Use Coyote Awareness Week to educate your community about the benefits of living alongside coyotes by sharing Coyote Awareness Week emails and social media posts or creating your own.
- Advocate for Ethical and Science-based Wildlife Policies: Support policies in your state and at the federal level that protect coyotes and oppose inhumane practices like indiscriminate trapping, wildlife killing contests, and hounding.