Jackals do not roam the United States. They are members of the Canidae family, placing them in the same biological group as domestic dogs, wolves, and foxes. However, their natural distribution is entirely confined to the Old World, which includes the continents of Africa and Eurasia. This geographical separation means the species never naturally colonized the Western Hemisphere.
The Definitive Answer and Range
The entire Western Hemisphere is outside the natural habitat range of all known jackal species. These canids are confined to specific regions of the Eastern Hemisphere. The three recognized species are the Golden Jackal (Canis aureus), the Black-backed Jackal (Lupulella mesomelas), and the Side-striped Jackal (Lupulella adusta).
The Golden Jackal is the most widespread, ranging from Southeast Europe, across the Middle East, and into South Asia and parts of North and East Africa. The two African species are restricted to the central and southern parts of the continent. Jackals evolved exclusively in the Old World, never crossing the vast oceanic barriers to establish a population in the Americas.
Defining the Jackal
Jackals are medium-sized canids characterized by a slender build, long legs, and a narrow, pointed muzzle. Their appearance is often described as halfway between a fox and a wolf. The largest species, the Golden Jackal, typically weighs between 6 and 15 kilograms (13–31 pounds) and stands approximately 45 to 50 centimeters (18–20 inches) at the shoulder. Their dentition is adapted for an opportunistic diet, featuring curved canines used for grabbing and shaking small prey.
The jackal’s basic social unit is a highly bonded, monogamous pair that often mates for life and defends a territory. These pairs may hunt cooperatively, achieving a significantly higher success rate when working together. They are highly adaptable omnivores, consuming small mammals, insects, reptiles, fruits, vegetables, and carrion. Behaviorally, they are often crepuscular or nocturnal, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk.
North American Canids Often Confused with Jackals
The animal most frequently mistaken for a jackal in the United States is the Coyote (Canis latrans), which occupies a similar ecological niche as a medium-sized, opportunistic predator. Coyotes are native to North and Central America, and they are generally larger than jackals, weighing up to 20 kilograms (45 pounds) and standing up to 66 centimeters (26 inches) tall.
Although both are members of the Canis genus or closely related genera, there are distinct physical differences. Coyotes possess longer, more pointed ears and longer canines, which can measure up to 1.5 inches. In contrast, jackals have shorter, more rounded ears and shorter, more curved canines.
Another distinction is in posture: a coyote typically carries its tail drooping low when running, while a jackal holds its tail more upright. The coyote’s remarkable adaptability has allowed it to thrive across diverse environments, from deserts and forests to highly urbanized areas, contributing to their visibility and misidentification. While the smaller Red Fox and Gray Fox also inhabit the US, the coyote’s size and body shape are a closer parallel to the jackal. Differences in vocalizations—coyotes howl, while jackals have a higher-pitched yapping call—further emphasize that these are separate species.