Coyotes and wolves are wild canids found across North America, often sparking questions about the potential danger they pose to humans. Their distinct characteristics and behaviors influence how they interact with human populations. Understanding these differences helps clarify the real risks and promote safer coexistence.
Key Distinctions Between Coyotes and Wolves
Coyotes and wolves differ in physical attributes, social structures, and preferred environments. Wolves (Canis lupus) are considerably larger, standing up to 30 inches (76 cm) at the shoulder and reaching 6.6 feet (2 meters) in length, weighing 70 to 175 pounds. They have broader heads, rounded ears, wider snouts, and larger, splayed paw prints (about 4 by 5 inches). In contrast, coyotes (Canis latrans) are leaner and smaller, typically 24 inches (61 cm) tall, 3.3 to 4.3 feet (1 to 1.3 meters) long, and weighing 20 to 50 pounds. They have pointed ears, narrower snouts, and smaller, more compact tracks.
Socially, wolves form highly cooperative family packs of 5 to 12 individuals, led by a dominant breeding pair. This pack structure is essential for their cooperative hunting of large prey. Coyotes exhibit a more flexible social arrangement, often operating as solitary individuals or mated pairs, though they can form small family units. While coyotes may occasionally cooperate in hunting, they are less dependent on large group dynamics compared to wolves.
Their habitats and diets also diverge. Wolves require vast, secluded wilderness areas such as forests, tundras, and grasslands, where they primarily hunt large ungulates like deer, elk, and moose. Coyotes are highly adaptable and thrive across diverse environments, including suburban and urban landscapes. As opportunistic omnivores, their diet primarily consists of smaller mammals like rodents and rabbits, birds, fruits, carrion, and human refuse.
Understanding Their Threat to Humans
Attacks from coyotes or wolves are infrequent, but their nature and frequency differ. Coyote attacks on humans, while uncommon, have shown an increasing trend, particularly in areas like California. A review from 1960 to 2006 documented 142 incidents involving 159 victims in the United States and Canada. These attacks rarely result in serious injury, often classified as predatory or investigative behaviors where the coyote may test a human as a potential food source. Children are more frequently involved in predatory attacks.
A primary factor contributing to coyote aggression is habituation, where they lose their natural fear of humans due to accessible food sources such as pet food, unsecured garbage, or intentional feeding. This habituation can lead to bold behaviors, including daytime sightings, attacks on pets, and chasing joggers. While rabies can also contribute to uncharacteristic aggression, defensive behaviors, such as protecting pups or territory during breeding and pup-rearing seasons, also account for some incidents. One documented fatal coyote attack occurred in North America in 2009, involving a coyote that may have been habituated to preying on large animals.
Wolf attacks on humans are rare, with only a few documented cases in North America over the past century. When they occur, they tend to be more serious due to the wolf’s larger size and strength. Similar to coyotes, habituation from intentional or unintentional feeding is a significant factor in wolf aggression. Predatory wolf attacks have historically involved children, especially those under 10, who may be perceived as more vulnerable prey. Defensive attacks can also occur if wolves feel threatened, particularly when protecting their young or a kill site.
Mitigating Risk and Coexisting Safely
Reducing the likelihood of negative encounters with coyotes and wolves involves preventative measures and knowing how to respond if an animal approaches. Secure all potential food sources to prevent habituation, including storing pet food indoors, ensuring garbage cans are tightly sealed, and removing fallen fruit from yards. Supervising pets and children outdoors, especially small ones, and keeping dogs on a leash in natural areas can also minimize risks.
Avoid intentionally feeding any wildlife, as this directly contributes to animals losing their natural fear of humans. Making noise while hiking or walking in areas with canid activity can alert animals and encourage them to move away.
If an encounter occurs, remain calm and avoid running, as this can trigger a chase instinct. Make yourself appear large and intimidating by waving your arms overhead or opening your jacket. Make loud noises by yelling, clapping, or using an air horn or whistle.
Maintain eye contact with the animal and slowly back away, creating distance without turning your back. If the animal persists or approaches, throw objects like rocks or sticks to deter it. In the rare event of an attack, fight back vigorously. Report any aggressive or bold animal behavior to local animal control or wildlife authorities.