Coyotes and wolves, both members of the Canidae family, are often mistaken for one another due to their similar appearances. While they share a common ancestry, understanding their distinct characteristics is helpful for wildlife enthusiasts and for promoting coexistence. Distinguishing between these two species involves observing physical attributes, behavioral patterns, vocalizations, and their habitats.
Key Physical Distinctions
A primary difference between coyotes and wolves is their size and build. Wolves are considerably larger and more robust, typically weighing between 70 and 150 pounds and standing 26 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder. Coyotes, in contrast, are smaller and leaner, generally weighing 20 to 50 pounds with a shoulder height of 21 to 24 inches. This size disparity means a wolf can be two to three times heavier than a coyote, even though young wolves can sometimes be mistaken for large coyotes.
Their coats also offer distinguishing clues, though color can sometimes overlap. Coyotes typically have a grayish-brown fur, which may include some reddish or tan tones. Wolves exhibit a wider range of coat colors, including shades of gray, brown, black, and white. Wolves also possess a thicker, denser coat, which provides better insulation in colder climates, while coyote fur is often thinner and coarser.
Differences in their tails and ears are also observable. Coyotes often carry their tails pointed downward, close to their hind legs, and their tails tend to be bushy. Wolves, however, typically hold their tails higher, more in line with their backs while walking. Regarding ears, coyotes have taller, more pointed ears that appear larger in proportion to their heads. Wolves feature shorter, more rounded ears that seem less prominent relative to their overall head size.
The shape of their snouts and heads also varies. Coyotes are characterized by narrower, more pointed muzzles and relatively smaller heads. Wolves have broader, blockier snouts and larger, more pronounced heads, giving them a more robust facial appearance. This broader facial structure in wolves is often accompanied by a wider-set gaze.
Finally, their paw prints offer another reliable physical distinction. Wolf tracks are notably larger, typically measuring about 4 to 5 inches long and 3.75 to 5.5 inches wide, with distinct claw marks. Coyote tracks are significantly smaller, usually ranging from 2 to 3 inches long and 1.6 to 2.5 inches wide. When observed in a continuous path, wolf tracks tend to follow a straighter, more direct line, reflecting their efficient travel, whereas coyote tracks may show more meandering.
Behavioral and Vocal Clues
Vocalizations are a clear indicator when differentiating between these canids. Wolves are known for their long, deep howls, which can carry for several miles and are used for long-distance communication within their packs. These howls can be synchronized, creating a chorus. Coyotes, by contrast, produce a higher-pitched and more varied range of sounds, including yips, yelps, and barks, often in rapid succession. Their vocalizations generally do not travel as far as a wolf’s howl.
Social structures also differ between the two species. Wolves are highly social animals that typically live and hunt in organized packs, which can consist of parents, offspring, and other related individuals. This cooperative social structure allows them to hunt large prey efficiently. Coyotes exhibit a more flexible social structure; they can be solitary, live in pairs, or form smaller family groups depending on resource availability and population density.
Their hunting strategies and diets also present behavioral distinctions. Wolves are primarily carnivores, relying on their pack to hunt large ungulates such as deer, elk, moose, and bison. Coyotes have a more opportunistic and varied diet, often preying on smaller mammals like rodents and rabbits, and are also known to scavenge carrion or consume fruits and vegetation. While coyotes can hunt larger prey in groups, their primary focus remains on smaller animals, reflecting their generalist nature.
Habitat and Range Differences
The preferred habitats of coyotes and wolves reflect their differing adaptability to human presence. Wolves generally favor more secluded, remote wilderness areas, including forests, tundra, and mountainous regions, where they can maintain large, undisturbed territories. Their populations are often found in the northern reaches of North America and parts of Europe and Asia. Historically, human development has reduced their range, leading them to be more wary of people.
Coyotes demonstrate remarkable adaptability and can thrive across a wide array of environments. They are found throughout most of North America, from natural areas to human-modified landscapes, including rural farms, suburbs, and even urban centers. This ability to coexist with humans means that encountering a coyote in populated areas is far more common than encountering a wolf. While their ranges can overlap, particularly in some parts of North America, the general distribution patterns often provide a strong clue to identification.