Missouri

Coyotes live ‘pretty much anywhere’ in Missouri: Here’s why you may see more in winter

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1 year ago

December 13, 2024

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Coyotes live ‘pretty much anywhere’ in Missouri: Here’s why you may see more in winter

Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Winter is the time to look for coyotes in Missouri, from the city to the country.

These dog relatives are native to North America, and they spread as far as Alaska and the Panama Canal during the 20th century.

Meriwether Lewis described the coyotes as “little prairie wolves” in 1806, when the Lewis and Clark expedition noticed a group of coyotes barking and howling coyotes near their camp close to present-day St. Joseph, Missouri.

With their dog-like barks and howls, coyotes make themselves known in Missouri today. They hunt small animals like mice, rats and crickets and scavenge food like roadkill and trash.

Here’s what you should know about Missouri coyotes from Nate Bowersock, black bear and furbearer biologist with the Missouri Department of Conservation, whose specialty includes coyotes, foxes and badgers.

Why do I see more coyotes during the winter?

Both the environment and coyotes’ food sources mean it’s easier to spot them during the cooler months.

Since pups are bigger, they can roam with their parents looking for food. When squirrels, mice and rabbits struggle to find food in the winter, they are more likely to fall prey to a coyote’s advances.

After the leaves drop off the trees, it’s easier to see a coyote hiding in the woods.

Where in Missouri do coyotes live?

These canines can live in many environments, as long as there are small animals to eat and a patch of woods to hide in.

“Coyotes are just very well-adapted species, so they can live pretty much anywhere,” Bowersock said.

Coyotes live everywhere from remote Missouri farmland to the middle of the city. Bowersock said he’s heard reports of coyote sightings in downtown Kansas City and near St. Louis airport.

“I almost hit one driving through the middle of Columbia the other day,” he said.

Coyotes thrive in urban areas because usually people can’t fire weapons within city limits, therefore they can’t hunt coyotes. Coyotes can also kill the prey that would have been eaten by larger predators that can’t live in cities, like bears.

How do I tell a coyote apart from a fox or wolf?

While all three dog-like animals live in Missouri, they have major differences that can help you tell them apart.

Bowersock said coyotes are known for their typically gray color, big pointy ears, long legs and long snout.

Coyotes are typically a foot and a half tall, about half as tall as an average wolf. However, a coyote’s size can be hard to determine when they have their fluffy winter fur, which makes them look larger than they are.

Unlike coyotes, both gray and red foxes have a splash of orange fur, Bowersock said.

What should I do if I see a coyote in the city?

Bowersock said to stay away from the coyote and don’t approach or feed it. Coyotes are usually scared of humans, so if an urban coyote approaches you, call your local Department of Conservation office.

Bowersock said to not be worried if there are coyotes in your town.

“I think, as a scientist and an ecologist, you know, they’re there because there’s a resource available to them. They wouldn’t be here if there wasn’t food for them and cover for them to utilize,” Bowersock said.

How can I keep coyotes off my land?

Lock up your livestock and pets overnight, Bowensock said. Putting animals in a chicken coop or barn will keep your small animals from becoming a snack for coyotes, Bowensock said. Smaller cats and dogs can fall victim to coyotes, but a predator is unlikely to kill an animal larger than itself.

If a coyote is causing problems, call your local Department of Conservation office, Bowersock said. They can put you in touch with a wildlife conflict biologist, who can help mitigate issues with the coyotes.

2024 The Kansas City Star. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Missouri

Missouri bill that would split Jackson County and Kansas City gets little support from lawmakers

Published

1 hour ago

March 27, 2026

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Missouri bill that would split Jackson County and Kansas City gets little support from lawmakers

A Missouri House committee had its first hearing this week on a proposed constitutional amendment that would split Kansas City and Jackson County upon approval by voters.

The legislation is nicknamed “Jackxit,” a nod to Brexit, the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union in 2020.

Republican state Rep. Mike Steinmeyer is sponsoring the bill. He said eastern Jackson County voters feel underrepresented in the county government, and this legislation would give them the power to change that.

At the hearing, committee members listened to Steinmeyer’s presentation of the bill before asking questions and sharing their thoughts.

Democratic state Rep. Bridget Walsh Moore compared what the bill proposes to “The Great Divorce” that saw the legal separation of the city of St. Louis from St. Louis County in 1876.

Several committee members criticized a part of the bill that says if it’s signed into law, the question of whether to split the county in two would appear on the Missouri ballot every 10 years.

Moore called it a “never-ending clause.”

“There’s a provision that says every 10 years this has to go back on the ballot, whether you like it or not,” Moore said. “And we’re going to keep voting on it, until you vote the way we think you should.”

Democratic state Rep. Jeff Hales said the bill’s language suggests the question would reappear on the ballot every 10 years until it’s approved by voters.

“Why does it end when it’s approved if the importance and the value here is giving the voters of Jackson County a right to weigh in on their charter and their government?” Hales said.

Steinmeyer said that clause exists to give Jackson County voters the opportunity to weigh in on their form of government.

“It gives them the right to speak and say we want change, or we want to abolish and start over,” Steinmeyer said. “That’s all we’re asking for.”

Democratic state Rep. Ashley Aune questioned how the ballot question would protect the right of voters. Steinmeyer said it protects their right to vote and be heard, specifically on their governance.

Lobbyist Shannon Cooper testified on behalf of the city of Kansas City, the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City. He said during a public comment period that the bill was “the most befuddling piece of legislation” that he’s had to testify for or against.

Cooper brought up the historic recall election of County Executive Frank White Jr. and said the recall showed the system Steinmeyer is trying to fix with this bill can work.

“If the voters are not happy, they can deal with their problems,” Cooper said. “They’ve proven that in the last year.”

No action was taken on the bill, and it is not yet scheduled for a future hearing.

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Missouri

Kansas City, Missouri, City Council voted Thursday to approve the city’s $2.6 billion budget for 2026-27

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13 hours ago

March 26, 2026

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Kansas City, Missouri, City Council voted Thursday to approve the city’s .6 billion budget for 2026-27

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City, Missouri, City Council voted Thursday to approve a $2.6 billion budget for the city’s fiscal year of 2026-27.

The budget includes $744 million in spending for public safety, including $26.3 million for a new Department of Community Safety and $4.2 million to hire 50 new KCMO Police Department officers, along with 10 call takers and 10 dispatchers.

“Our budget respects the strong fiscal foundation the taxpayers have helped Kansas City build, maintaining a rainy-day fund of over $200 million, increasing road resurfacing, hiring more public safety and city workers, and investing in all Kansas City neighborhoods,” Mayor Quinton Lucas said in a news release from the city. “In a city that can walk and chew gum, we are proud to welcome the world while delivering strong basic services for Kansas City’s families.”

The council voted to spend $83.8 million for the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority to provide bus services, but the KCATA may have to make cuts in bus services even with a $6 million boost in funding from the city.

In addition, the council approved spending $39.4 million for citywide street resurfacing and $1.5 million for tearing down dangerous buildings.

“This budget reflects a collaborative effort across the city, and provides a clear path for Kansas City to keep moving forward with discipline, accountability and a focus on service,” City Manager Mario Vasquez said in the news release. “Thank you to the council for its thoughtful deliberation and input in crafting this budget.”

More information on the fiscal year 2026-27 budget can be found on the city’s website.

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Missouri

Missouri Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 winning numbers for March 25, 2026

Published

1 day ago

March 26, 2026

Press Room

The Missouri Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at March 25, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from March 25 drawing

07-21-55-56-64, Powerball: 26, Power Play: 4

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from March 25 drawing

Midday: 3-2-0

Midday Wild: 7

Evening: 0-0-5

Evening Wild: 5

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from March 25 drawing

Midday: 2-6-3-9

Midday Wild: 4

Evening: 9-5-6-8

Evening Wild: 1

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from March 25 drawing

Early Bird: 07

Morning: 09

Matinee: 04

Prime Time: 14

Night Owl: 07

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Show Me Cash numbers from March 25 drawing

12-14-22-26-28

Check Show Me Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from March 25 drawing

35-38-41-43-62, Powerball: 08

Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

All Missouri Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes over $600, winners have the option to submit their claim by mail or in person at one of Missouri Lottery’s regional offices, by appointment only.

To claim by mail, complete a Missouri Lottery winner claim form, sign your winning ticket, and include a copy of your government-issued photo ID along with a completed IRS Form W-9. Ensure your name, address, telephone number and signature are on the back of your ticket. Claims should be mailed to:

Ticket Redemption

Missouri Lottery

P.O. Box 7777

Jefferson City, MO 65102-7777

For in-person claims, visit the Missouri Lottery Headquarters in Jefferson City or one of the regional offices in Kansas City, Springfield or St. Louis. Be sure to call ahead to verify hours and check if an appointment is required.

For additional instructions or to download the claim form, visit the Missouri Lottery prize claim page.

When are the Missouri Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 9:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 10 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
Pick 3: 12:45 p.m. (Midday) and 8:59 p.m. (Evening) daily.
Pick 4: 12:45 p.m. (Midday) and 8:59 p.m. (Evening) daily.
Cash4Life: 8 p.m. daily.
Cash Pop: 8 a.m. (Early Bird), 11 a.m. (Late Morning), 3 p.m. (Matinee), 7 p.m. (Prime Time) and 11 p.m. (Night Owl) daily.
Show Me Cash: 8:59 p.m. daily.
Lotto: 8:59 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday.
Powerball Double Play: 9:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Missouri editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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