Coyotes are adaptable canids found across North America, thriving in diverse environments from wilderness to urban areas. Their fur color is often more diverse than many realize, sparking curiosity about their physical characteristics.
The Varied Hues of Coyotes
While some perceive coyotes as uniformly brown, their fur color encompasses a broad spectrum of shades. Predominant coat colors include light gray, red or fulvous (a reddish-yellow or tawny color), interspersed with black and white hairs. This combination creates a grizzled effect, which can appear brownish depending on the light and individual.
Geographic location significantly influences a coyote’s coat color. Coyotes inhabiting higher elevations or forested regions tend to exhibit more black and gray shades. Conversely, those living in arid or desert environments often have lighter, more fulvous or whitish-gray coats, which aids in camouflage and reflects intense sunlight. For example, coyotes in the southeastern United States may display a more reddish tint, while western coyotes often have a more consistent tan coloration.
Seasonal changes also affect their fur’s appearance. During winter, coyotes develop a thicker, denser coat that can appear grayer or more reddish, providing insulation against colder temperatures. As seasons transition to summer, their fur becomes thinner and might show a mixture of red and gray, adapting to warmer conditions. Beyond regional and seasonal factors, individual genetic variations contribute to the diverse palette, with rare occurrences of entirely black (melanistic) or white (albino) coyotes.
Identifying Coyotes Beyond Color
Given the wide range of coat colors, relying solely on fur shade can be misleading when identifying coyotes. Instead, focusing on their distinct physical characteristics offers a more reliable approach.
Coyotes typically possess a slender, medium-sized build with a somewhat sloping posture. Adult males generally weigh between 8 to 20 kilograms (18-44 pounds), while females range from 7 to 18 kilograms (15-40 pounds), though northern subspecies tend to be larger. Their tail is another distinguishing feature, being long and bushy, often carried low or downwards when they are moving. A black tip is frequently visible on their tail. Coyotes also have pointed ears that appear relatively large in proportion to their head, and a narrow, pointed muzzle.
When observing their tracks, coyote paw prints are typically more elongated and less rounded than those of domestic dogs, often showing visible claw marks. Overall, coyotes are generally smaller than gray wolves but larger than foxes. They are also typically smaller than most domestic dog breeds, measuring 81 to 94 centimeters (32-37 inches) in length, excluding their tail.