The coyote is a highly adaptable canine that occupies a vast range across North America. This wide distribution results in significant variability in the animal’s coat, meaning the question of whether its fur is soft requires a nuanced answer. Coyote fur texture is not uniform; instead, it is a complex blend of different hair types that serve distinct biological functions. The overall sensation upon touch depends heavily on the specific part of the pelt and the animal’s geographical origin.
The Dual Texture of Coyote Fur
Coyote fur consists of two layers that contribute to its feel and insulating properties. The first layer is the undercoat, or underfur, which is composed of dense, fine, short fibers closest to the skin. This underfur is soft and provides the animal with thermal insulation against cold temperatures.
Overlaying this insulating layer are the guard hairs. These hairs are longer, stiffer, and thicker than the undercoat, functioning to protect the softer layer from moisture, abrasion, and snow. The guard hairs are the source of the fur’s shaggy, coarser texture, often causing the pelt to feel less plush than other furs. The ultimate texture experienced is a function of the ratio and length of the coarser guard hairs versus the soft undercoat.
How Environment Shapes Fur Quality
The characteristics of the coat change dramatically based on the climate a coyote inhabits. Coyotes living in northern regions, such as Canada and the Rockies, develop the densest and warmest fur. This adaptation involves a thicker, longer, and more insulating undercoat necessary to survive sub-zero temperatures.
Winter pelts from these colder climates are higher quality, exhibiting greater depth and a softer feel due to the fine underfur. Conversely, coyotes from warmer, arid environments, such as the American Southwest, possess a much thinner coat with shorter, sparser hair. This lighter pelage is less dense, feels coarser to the touch, and is not considered “prime” by the fur industry.
Practical Uses and Comparison to Other Furs
Due to the presence of long, stiff guard hairs, coyote fur is typically not used for full garments requiring a uniform plush texture. Its primary commercial application is as trim, particularly for the hoods of cold-weather parkas and jackets. This use is valued because the fur is durable, holds its shape, and resists freezing or collecting moisture in extreme cold.
When comparing its feel to common alternatives, coyote fur sits in a middle range of softness. It is coarser than luxurious furs like chinchilla, which has the softest and densest coat of any land mammal, or the silky texture of sheared mink. Coyote fur is often comparable to fox fur in its overall aesthetic and length but possesses less of the characteristic “fluff” of a prime fox pelt. Its texture is softer and less bristly than furs like badger.