Coyotes are native to North America, but as humans have changed the natural landscape, the ever-adaptable coyotes have actually extended their range. They now inhabit most of North America down through Central America, including every major city in the United States, even the largest, New York City.

Coyotes sometimes form hunting partnerships with American badgers, helping each other dig up prey. Coyotes have even been seen laying their heads on and licking the faces of their badger companions. A pre-Columbian Mexican jar from 1250–1300 CE illustrated this behavior.

Gray wolves and cougars are natural threats to coyotes, but humans are by far their most vicious and effective predator.