Understanding how coyotes perceive their environment, especially colors like orange, differs significantly from human vision.
How Coyotes See Color
A coyote’s vision is adapted for survival in various conditions. Their eyes contain two main types of photoreceptor cells: rods and cones. Rods are responsible for vision in low light and detecting movement, while cones are responsible for color perception and fine detail. Coyotes possess a superabundance of rods, allowing them to see remarkably well in dim light, up to five to six times better than humans at night.
Unlike humans, who have three types of cone cells for perceiving a full spectrum of colors (trichromatic vision), coyotes, like most canids, have only two types of cones. This is known as dichromatic vision, which is similar to red-green color blindness in humans. Consequently, coyotes primarily see in shades of blue and yellow. Their vision is optimized for detecting movement and changes in light, which are crucial for hunting prey and avoiding threats, rather than distinguishing a wide array of colors.
How Coyotes Perceive Orange
Due to their dichromatic vision, coyotes do not perceive orange as humans do. Lacking specific cone cells for red and green hues, colors like orange appear differently to them. Instead of a vibrant orange, it likely registers as a shade of yellow, gray, or muted brown.
The brightness and contrast of an object against its background play a more significant role in a coyote’s ability to detect it than its specific color. For example, an orange item might blend into natural surroundings if its brightness matches the yellows or browns of the environment. While they cannot distinguish red, they can perceive its light as a darker, duller form of light, appearing almost like a dark yellow or mustard color to them.
What This Means for You
Understanding how coyotes perceive orange has practical implications. Hunters wear “hunter orange” for human safety, but this color does not make them more visible to coyotes; it may blend into the natural environment.
When avoiding detection by coyotes, factors beyond clothing color are critical. Coyotes rely heavily on their acute senses of smell, hearing, and movement detection. Minimizing movement, being aware of wind direction, and remaining still are more effective strategies than relying on specific clothing colors. Their exceptional peripheral vision, covering around 260 degrees, allows them to pick up movement well before identifying a stationary object.