Coyotes are established in Virginia Beach, particularly near Pungo, Back Bay, and First Landing State Park. The city follows Virginia DWR guidance, focusing on hazing, secure trash, and limited lethal removal.
Coyotes are classified as nuisance species under Virginia Code 29.1-100 and may be hunted year-round on private land with landowner permission. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) leads management policy, while Virginia Beach Animal Control responds to aggressive encounters and provides hazing guidance. Residents should never feed coyotes, secure trash bins, supervise small pets, and report bold or aggressive animals. Trapping inside city limits requires DWR permits and compliance with Virginia Beach firearm discharge restrictions, which generally prohibit shooting in residential areas. The Naval Air Station Oceana also manages coyote populations on federal grounds.
Illegal discharge of firearms in city limits is a Class 1 misdemeanor with fines up to $2,500 and possible jail time. Feeding coyotes can prompt nuisance citations under Chapter 5.
Virginia Beach, VA
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Virginia Beach, VA
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See how Virginia Beach's coyote management rules stack up against other locations.
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