Foxes and coyotes are distinct wild canids, often seen in similar habitats. Understanding their shared lineage and individual characteristics clarifies their differences.
A Shared Ancestry: The Canidae Family
Foxes and coyotes belong to the biological family Canidae, which encompasses dogs, wolves, and jackals. This family is characterized by carnivorous mammals that share a common evolutionary history. Despite this familial connection, their evolutionary paths diverged millions of years ago, leading to distinct genera within the Canidae family.
Coyotes, scientifically known as Canis latrans, are part of the Canis genus, which also includes wolves and domestic dogs. This highlights their closer genetic relationship to wolves, with coyotes even able to produce fertile offspring with wolves.
Foxes primarily belong to the Vulpes genus, though some species are found in other genera. This taxonomic separation means that while they are cousins within the broader dog family, they are not as closely related as coyotes are to wolves.
Distinguishing Features: Foxes vs. Coyotes
Observing their physical traits can help differentiate between foxes and coyotes. Coyotes are generally larger and more robust, typically weighing between 7 to 21 kg (15 to 46 lbs) and measuring around 75 to 87 cm (30 to 34 inches) in length, excluding their tail. Foxes are smaller and more slender; even the largest species, the red fox, usually weighs between 3 to 11 kg (6.5 to 24 lbs) and is less than 91 cm (3 feet) in body length. Foxes also tend to have shorter legs and a more tube-shaped body compared to coyotes.
Their fur coloration also varies. Coyotes typically have coats that are a mixture of light gray and sandy brown, often with black and white interspersed hairs, though their color can vary geographically and seasonally. They may also have reddish-brown on their forelegs, sides of the head, and muzzle. Foxes, particularly the common red fox, are known for their striking reddish-orange fur, which can range from yellow-red to very dark red/orange, and often have black legs. Other fox species can exhibit a wider variety of colors, including gray, black, or white.
Distinctive tail characteristics offer another clear identifier. Fox tails are notably long and bushy, often referred to as a “brush,” and frequently have a prominent white tip, which is especially characteristic of the red fox. A fox often carries its tail horizontally or with a slight upward curve. In contrast, a coyote’s tail is also bushy but typically shorter in proportion to its body size, has a black tip, and is usually carried low or downwards, especially when running.
Differences extend to their heads and ears. Foxes generally have more pointed muzzles and ears that are relatively large and upright, giving them a sharp, triangular appearance. Coyote snouts tend to be longer and more pointed than a fox’s, but their ears, while large and erect, are often slightly more rounded than those of a fox. Coyote eyes are typically yellow with round pupils, unlike foxes, where some species, like the gray fox, can have vertical pupils similar to cats.
Ecological Roles and Behaviors
Habitat preferences show some divergence, though both animals are highly adaptable. Coyotes are incredibly versatile and can thrive in a wide range of environments, including forests, grasslands, deserts, mountains, and are well-known for their presence in suburban and urban areas. Foxes also exhibit adaptability, with red foxes found across various habitats, including mixed woodlands and farmlands. However, coyotes have expanded their range significantly due to human activity and habitat changes, often moving into areas where their natural predators, like wolves, have declined.
Their diets and hunting strategies reflect their differing sizes and ecological niches. Foxes are often opportunistic omnivores, preying on small mammals like rodents, insects, and supplementing their diet with fruits and berries. They employ a characteristic pouncing technique, crouching low before leaping onto their prey. Coyotes are more predatory, capable of hunting larger prey such as deer, though they are also opportunistic feeders and will consume rabbits, rodents, birds, reptiles, and even fruits, vegetables, or carrion. While coyotes can hunt in pairs or small groups, they often hunt alone.
Social structures also distinguish them. Foxes are generally more solitary, especially outside of the breeding season when they may form temporary family units to raise kits. Coyotes, in contrast, frequently exhibit more complex social organizations. They can live as solitary individuals, in pairs, or in family units and small packs, with pack size often influenced by resource availability.
Vocalizations provide another auditory cue for identification. Coyotes are known for their distinctive howls, yips, and barks, often communicating with a wide range of sounds to signal their presence or warn off intruders. Foxes have a surprisingly diverse vocal repertoire, including barks, screams, and chattering sounds, some of which can be quite loud and unsettling, particularly during mating season. These differences in behavior and ecological roles allow foxes and coyotes to coexist in many overlapping areas without direct competition for resources.