When observing a coyote, its appearance can sometimes lead to confusion about its biological classification. These wild animals possess characteristics that might seem to blend traits from both dogs and cats. Understanding their scientific family and distinguishing features helps clarify common misconceptions.
Coyotes Belong to the Dog Family
Coyotes are members of the dog family, known scientifically as Canidae. Their scientific name, Canis latrans, translates to “barking dog.” This family includes other well-known animals such as wolves, foxes, and domestic dogs. Coyotes share several biological features with other canids that distinguish them from felines.
Unlike cats, coyotes possess non-retractable claws, meaning their claws are always extended. Their dental structure, typical of carnivores, includes teeth adapted for tearing and crushing, which is consistent with their diverse diet. Coyotes also exhibit social behaviors, forming family groups that may collaborate in hunting and raising young, though they can also be solitary.
Why Coyotes Are Not Cats
Coyotes do not belong to the cat family, Felidae. A distinguishing feature of most felines is their retractable claws, which they can draw back into protective sheaths for silent movement during hunting.
The hunting strategies of cats often involve stealth and ambush, utilizing their flexible bodies to secure prey. While both are carnivores, cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their diet is almost exclusively meat. Coyotes, by contrast, are opportunistic omnivores, consuming a wide range of foods including fruits, insects, and carrion in addition to small mammals. Vocalizations also differ, with distinct feline sounds like purring, which coyotes do not produce.
Coyotes and Domestic Dogs
Coyotes and domestic dogs share a common ancestry within the Canidae family, but they are distinct species. Coyotes are classified as Canis latrans, while domestic dogs are recognized as Canis lupus familiaris, a subspecies of the gray wolf. This classification highlights their close genetic relationship.
Despite their shared lineage, coyotes and domestic dogs have followed separate evolutionary paths. Coyotes have adapted to life in the wild, developing traits suited for survival in diverse natural environments across North America. Domestic dogs, conversely, have undergone thousands of years of selective breeding by humans, resulting in a vast array of breeds with varied physical characteristics and behaviors suited for human companionship and specific tasks. Their interactions, while sometimes social, also include distinct behaviors reflecting their differing adaptations and roles.