
Coyotes on Cumberland Island
Know the Facts About Coyotes on CINS
Coyotes (Canis latrans) have expanded their range as we have extirpated large predators (wolves, cougars, and bears) and cleared swaths of land. They now inhabit most, if not all, barrier islands in Georgia – including Cumberland.
Their survival is attributed to their adaptability, intelligence, and resilience.
Research is currently being conducted on other barrier islands to better understand whether coyotes are moving on and off our islands and/or how much gene flow is occurring.
Wild Cumberland Podcast Episode
Listen to our podcast interview with Dr. Chris Mowry, co-founder of the Atlanta Coyote Project.
How Coyotes Are Managed on Cumberland
In 2019, the NPS implemented its “Coastal Species of Concern Predation Control Management Plan“.
- This plan establishes nonlethal and lethal control methods for land managers to employ in order to fulfill their obligations for protected species. It estimates 12 coyotes will be lethally removed from each park unit, annually.
Unfortunately, lethal control of coyotes is ineffective and results in negative impacts. Killing one or both members of the alpha pair (the only pair that normally reproduces) meansother pairs form and reproduce. At the same time, lone coyotes can move in to mate, young coyotes will start having offspring earlier, and litter sizes grow. (1)
Did You Know?
The first reported sighting of a coyote on Cumberland Island was recorded by Carol Ruckdeschel in 1989; a resident pair was confirmed in 2008.
Impacts to Protected Species
We know eliminating coyotes does not work — and actually causes additional negative impacts.
This creates serious challenges for land managers who must meet requirements related to protected species (such as sea turtles and shorebirds).
There is documented depredation of sea turtle and shorebird nests on Cumberland:
- View Cumberland Island sea turtle nesting data (including nest predation types and numbers) here.
- View Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nesting in Georgia, 2023 (a GADNR publication).
- See research related to the diets of bobcats and coyotes on Cumberland Island here (2015).
- Revisit this news article about coyotes on Cumberland Island, featuring CUIS Biologist Doug Hoffman (2015).

Wild Cumberland’s Position
Wild Cumberland believes any decision to control predators should be based on data that suggest controls are effective — in both the short and long term.
- We are concerned that the utilization of lethal management methods is exacerbating impacts of a newly-established coyote population.
- We have documented coyote – human encounters in developed areas of Cumberland Island. We are concerned that inadequate visitor interpretation provided by site management contributes to unnecessary safety risks.
Visitor Safety
To help protect our coyotes and keep yourself (and other visitors) safe, follow these guidelines when visiting Cumberland Island:
- Thoroughly clean your campfire grill after cooking.
- Do not leave any type of food or trash unsecured.
- Clean and dispose of fish and bait properly.
- Always leash your dog and ensure your pet is up to date on vaccinations.
If a coyote approaches you, stand up, wave your hands, and yell. Do NOT run.
Report these interactions to National Park Service staff.
There are other circumstances that may impact the Cumberland Island coyote population:
- An abundance of carrion, attributed to the presence of feral horses and hogs.
- The agency actively manages its feral hog population, euthanizing and disposing of hundreds of animals annually within the boundary of the Seashore.
- Resident and/or business operations may have unsecured trash or compost.
- Incomplete or inadequate visitor education may contribute to habituation
Did You Know That Coyotes...
• Mate for life
• Can run up to 43 mph
• Swim well
• Do not respond to chemical repellents
FAQ
DO COYOTES ATTACK HUMANS?
Coyotes have attacked humans, but this is extremely rare.
WHEN AND HOW SHOULD I REPORT A COYOTE INTERACTION ON CUMBERLAND ISLAND?
A “bold” coyote might simply result from habituation with humans. But a coyote displaying abnormal behavior and appearing fearless of humans is uncharacteristic and may mean the animal is injured or has a disease such as rabies, parvovirus, or distemper. Report these interactions to National Park Service staff.
WHEN OR HOW WOULD IT BE APPROPRIATE TO HAZE A COYOTE?
If a coyote approaches you, stand up, wave your hands, and yell. Do NOT run. Report these interactions to National Park Service staff.
WHY DOESN’T KILLING COYOTES WORK TO CONTROL THE POPULATION?
When aggressively controlled, coyotes can actually increase their reproductive rate by breeding at an earlier age and having larger litters, with a higher survival and breeding rate among the young. This allows coyote populations to bounce back, even when up to 70% of their numbers are removed.
- Coyotes removed from an area will quickly be replaced by others. Coyote pairs hold territories (“residents”), which leaves single coyotes (“floaters”) (“transients”) constantly looking for new places to call home.
- Kill one or both members of the alpha pair — the only pair who normally reproduces — and other pairs will form and reproduce.
- At the same time, lone coyotes will move in to mate, young coyotes will start having offspring sooner, and litter sizes will grow.
HOW MANY COYOTES ARE CULLED ANNUALLY ON CUMBERLAND ISLAND?
Park management has not made this number available to the public.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ON COYOTES:
- Atlanta Coyote Project
- Indigenous Coyote Mythology
REMEMBER: FED WILDLIFE IS DEAD WILDLIFE
Adhere to Leave No Trace principles when you visit.