Missouri
Coyotes live ‘pretty much anywhere’ in Missouri: Here’s why you may see more in winter
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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Coyotes live ‘pretty much anywhere’ in Missouri: Here’s why you may see more in winter (2024, December 13)
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An awareness walk took place in Columbia Saturday that brings attention to a genetic disorder.
The eighth annual Missouri Walk of Neurofibromatosis took place on May 30 at Stephens Lake Park.
The event helps raise money and awareness for people who have the genetic disorder neurofibromatosis (NF).
There are three types of NF: neurofibromatosis type one (NF1), neurofibromatosis type two-related schwannomatosis (NF2-SWN), and schwannomatosis.
While the three types of NF are genetically distinct, they share the common feature of causing tumors.
The severity of symptoms and the specific manifestations of the disorders can vary significantly from person to person.
NF1 is the most common of the conditions, affecting approximately one in 2,500.
NF2 affects around one in 25,000 and other schwannomatosis types affect around one in 40,000.
Together, the disorders affect at least 1 in 2,000 people or approximately four million worldwide.
Anyone can be born with an NF disorder, and they have a 50% chance of passing it on.
For Christina Thomas, an organizer for Missouri Walk of Neurofibromatosis, the walk means “the world” to her.
“I’ve always been about advocating for NF and bringing people together,” Thomas said. “It’s awesome to see so many people coming together who have it.”
Thomas is the third generation in her family to have NF, and three of her four kids also have the condition.
“I grew up thinking my family was the only one with it. To me, it’s very important to be able to let people know that they’re not the only ones with it.”
Thomas said she was often teased when she was younger because her father, who also has NF, had tumors all over his body.
“I was always made fun of because of his appearance. People tell me, ‘You don’t want to get close to her she’s contagious.’”
Thomas said she joined the walk because she wants to bring people together who have NF and let them know they are not alone.
Another of her goals is to get the attention from the University of Missouri.
“Our ultimate goal is to get the attention of the University of Missouri, because not for me, not for my kids, but maybe for my grandkids or the ones that are nearly diagnosed, for us to have an NF clinic here instead of having to travel to Kansas City or St. Louis for expert care.”
She said the best way for the community to support those living with NF is through education and awareness.
“We’re always about advocating. We’re always about bringing awareness.”
The Missouri Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at May 29, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Mega Millions numbers from May 29 drawing
19-24-47-59-65, Mega Ball: 07
Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from May 29 drawing
Midday: 6-4-0
Midday Wild: 5
Evening: 8-5-3
Evening Wild: 1
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from May 29 drawing
Midday: 3-4-8-0
Midday Wild: 4
Evening: 6-8-4-1
Evening Wild: 0
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from May 29 drawing
Early Bird: 10
Morning: 03
Matinee: 12
Prime Time: 14
Night Owl: 05
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Show Me Cash numbers from May 29 drawing
07-16-25-26-36
Check Show Me Cash 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.
SHELL KNOB, Mo. (Edited News Release/KY3) -A Barry County man recently broke the Missouri state record after catching a yellow bass on Table Rock Lake.
According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, Danny Naugle, of Cassville, reeled in the record-breaking fish while fishing on Table Rock Lake on May 13. The fish broke the state record previously set in 1995.
The fish weighed 2 pounds, 7 ounces, and measured 16.5 inches. It was just two ounces shy of the world record, the department said.
MDC said Naugle normally casts for crappie, using an ultra-light rod and lights to draw baitfish.
The previous record was set in 1995 by a 9-ounce fish caught from a slough off the Mississippi River, according to MDC.
The department said Naugle plans to get the yellow bass mounted. His catch marks the first state record fish recorded for 2026.
To report a correction or typo, please email digitalnews@ky3.com. Please include the article info in the subject line of the email.
Copyright 2026 KY3. All rights reserved.
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