With the eradication of the Red Wolf across Georgia, the Coyote (Canis latrans) has filled the void statewide. Resembling a small dog, a coyote has pointy ears and snout, mottled color fur and a bushy tail. A group of coyotes is called a band.
Coyotes are considered an invasive species in Georgia. Coyotes visit Trinity Lakes in search of rodents and even deer. The local coyotes at Trinity Lakes keep a distance on the northern side of Trinity Creek, and shy away from human contact. Coyote attacks on humans are very rare.
If mated with dogs, a female coyote can produce a coyote/dog hybrid called a “coydog.” However, this is uncommon due to the unsynchronized breeding cycles of the two species.
Despite its nuisance reputation, the coyote serves to maintain a balance in Georgia’s rodent population.