The answer to whether there are jackals in Texas is no; no species of jackal is native to North America. The animals commonly referred to as jackals are Old World canids. Any sighting of a small, wild, dog-like mammal in the Lone Star State is almost certainly a case of mistaken identity.
The Global Range of True Jackals
Modern taxonomy recognizes three primary jackal species. These animals are geographically confined to the Eastern Hemisphere. The Golden Jackal (Canis aureus) is the most widespread, with a range extending from South-Central Europe and the Middle East across South Asia.
The other two species are found exclusively in Africa. The Black-backed Jackal (Lupulella mesomelas) inhabits two distinct regions: the eastern coast of Africa and the southern tip of the continent. The Side-striped Jackal (Lupulella adusta) is found primarily across Central and Southern Africa in more humid, vegetated areas.
They fill an ecological role in the Old World that is occupied by a different, but often confused, animal in the New World.
Identifying the Native Texas Canid
The Coyote (Canis latrans) is most frequently mistaken for a jackal in Texas. It has a vast distribution that covers every region of Texas. Its statewide presence and slender build make it the source of virtually all jackal-related confusion in the region.
Coyotes are medium-sized carnivores, typically weighing between 25 and 40 pounds, though individuals can be larger, particularly in the northern parts of the state. They possess a lean physique, long legs, a narrow muzzle, and large, pointed ears. Their coat is usually a grizzled mix of gray, buff, and tan, often with a darker overlay of guard hairs along the back and a bushy, black-tipped tail.
This species is an opportunistic omnivore, allowing it to thrive on a varied diet of rodents, rabbits, insects, fruits, and carrion. The coyote’s remarkable adaptability to human-altered landscapes, including suburban and city environments, increases the likelihood of human encounters and allows it to fill the ecological void that jackals occupy in their native range.
Key Differences Between Coyotes and Jackals
Coyotes and jackals exhibit distinct differences in size. Coyotes are generally larger and more robust than most jackal species. While most jackals weigh between 15 and 35 pounds, a typical adult coyote falls into the upper end of that range or exceeds it.
Their posture and tail carriage also differ. The coyote characteristically runs with its bushy tail held low, often drooping toward the ground. In contrast, some jackal species, such as the Black-backed Jackal, tend to carry their tails more horizontally or slightly upright.
Coat coloration provides another clear distinction. The Black-backed Jackal is instantly recognizable by the striking silver and black saddle of fur that runs down its back, a pattern not seen on any Texan canid. The Coyote’s coat, while variable, remains a mixture of grizzled gray and tan, lacking the distinct golden hue of the Golden Jackal or the prominent white stripe of the Side-striped Jackal.