Wild canids like foxes and coyotes inhabit diverse environments, from rural to urban areas. Despite their shared classification, they possess distinct characteristics. Understanding these differences is valuable for wildlife observation and coexistence. This article provides clear methods to distinguish between them, focusing on observable traits and signs.
Spotting the Differences: Physical Appearance
Coyotes are generally larger and more muscular than most fox species. An adult coyote typically exceeds 3 feet in length and 2 feet in height, weighing between 10 to 35 pounds, though some can reach up to 50 pounds. Foxes, even the largest species like the red fox, are smaller, with bodies less than 3 feet long and heights under 20 inches, often weighing 8 to 17 pounds. Many foxes are comparable in size to a large house cat, though their thick fur can make them appear larger.
A notable differentiator is the tail. Foxes possess a long, bushy tail that can be nearly half their body length, often featuring a white tip, particularly in red foxes. This tail tends to be carried low or held straight out when the fox is trotting. In contrast, a coyote’s tail is generally shorter and less bushy relative to its body size, often having a black tip. Coyotes typically carry their tails hanging downward, especially when running.
Their fur coloration also varies significantly. Coyotes usually have a grizzled appearance, with coats ranging in shades of gray, brown, and tan, sometimes with black streaks or reddish tints around the flanks. Fox coloration varies more by species; the common red fox displays a distinctive reddish-orange fur with black “stockings” on its legs and a white belly. Other fox species can exhibit gray, silver, or yellowish-brown coats.
Distinctive ear shapes and snout profiles further aid identification. Foxes often have relatively larger, more pointed ears that stand upright. Their muzzles are slender and pointed, contributing to a more delicate facial structure. Coyotes, on the other hand, have larger, more rounded ears that also stand upright. Their snouts are broader and more dog-like, giving them a wider facial appearance.
Listening for Clues: Vocalizations
Vocalizations offer another way to identify these canids, particularly when they are not visible. Foxes produce a variety of sounds, including distinctive high-pitched screams, especially during mating season, which some describe as eerie or human-like. They also emit short, sharp barks, yelps, and sometimes chattering sounds during aggressive encounters.
Coyotes are known for their diverse and frequent vocalizations. Their calls include a mix of yips, barks, and howls. A common sound is the “coyote chorus,” where multiple coyotes vocalize together, creating a complex and often loud serenade. This group howling can make a small number of coyotes sound like a much larger pack. Coyotes use these sounds for long-distance communication, territorial marking, and social cohesion.
Reading the Ground: Tracks and Scat
The signs left on the ground can provide additional evidence of a fox or coyote’s presence. Coyote tracks are typically larger and more oval-shaped, usually measuring 2.5 to 3.5 inches long. Their four toes are often close together, and claw marks are usually visible. Coyotes tend to walk in a straight line, placing their hind feet almost directly into the prints of their front feet.
Fox tracks are generally smaller and appear more elongated or linear, often described as a “tightrope walk.” Red fox tracks typically measure 1.5 to 2.75 inches long. In winter, the thick fur on a red fox’s paws can sometimes blur their tracks. Like coyotes, foxes often travel in a relatively straight line.
Scat, or droppings, also differs between the two animals. Coyote scat is typically larger and tubular, up to 4 inches long and 3/4 of an inch in diameter. Its contents often include fur, bones, or plant matter. Coyote scat is frequently deposited in prominent locations, as a form of communication. Fox scat is smaller, usually 2 to 3 inches long, and often tapered or pointed at one or both ends. It can also contain fur, bones, insects, or plant material.