Coyotes are adaptable wild canids found across North America, from Alaska southward into Central America, thriving even in human-modified environments like cities. Their widespread presence and general canine appearance often lead to confusion with other animals in the wild. Accurate identification can be challenging, but understanding their appearance and behavior helps distinguish them.
Wolves and Wolf-Coyote Hybrids
Coyotes and wolves share a close evolutionary history, both belonging to the Canis genus, meaning they can interbreed and produce viable offspring. This genetic proximity results in significant physical similarities, especially between coyotes and smaller wolf subspecies. For instance, the Eastern coyote, sometimes called a “coywolf,” is a hybrid of coyotes, eastern wolves, gray wolves, and even domestic dogs, which emerged as coyotes expanded into former wolf territories. This hybrid is larger than a typical western coyote but smaller than an eastern wolf, showcasing an intermediate form that complicates identification. Eastern coyotes often weigh between 30 and 55 pounds, with females being significantly heavier than male western coyotes. Their appearance can range from tan and rusty red to gray and black, similar to pure coyotes.
Domestic Dogs
Coyotes are frequently mistaken for domestic dogs, particularly feral canines or certain breeds like German Shepherds, Huskies, or their mixes, as both belong to the Canis genus and share physical characteristics, including similar sizes for some breeds, coloration, and even certain behaviors like scavenging. Coyotes typically weigh between 15 and 50 pounds, a range that overlaps with many dog breeds. Their fur color can also resemble the coats of various domestic dogs. The absence of a collar or human interaction often leads observers to misidentify a domestic dog as a coyote. While coyotes maintain wild instincts and wariness of humans, some domestic dogs, especially those without human interaction, may exhibit behaviors that mimic wild canids. Coyotes possess a lean, athletic build with long legs, while domestic dogs show a wide variety in appearance due to selective breeding.
Foxes
Foxes, particularly red foxes, can sometimes be confused with coyotes, especially when seen at a distance or by individuals unfamiliar with local wildlife. Both are members of the Canidae family and share a general canine appearance with bushy tails and pointed ears. Coyotes are considerably larger than foxes; red foxes, the largest fox species, usually measure 3 to 4 feet long and weigh 8 to 17 pounds, while coyotes grow to about 4 feet long and weigh between 22 and 50 pounds. Coyotes have longer legs and stockier bodies compared to the more slender and smaller build of foxes. Foxes generally have a more pointed snout and a bushier tail relative to their body size than coyotes.
Key Differences to Observe
Distinguishing coyotes from similar animals involves observing several key physical and behavioral traits. Coyotes are smaller and leaner than gray wolves, typically weighing 18 to 44 pounds, while adult wolves can reach 80 to 120 pounds. Coyotes have a more slender frame and a pointed muzzle, whereas wolves possess a broader head and snout. Tail carriage offers a clear distinction: coyotes carry their tails downwards, often described as a “paintbrush” shape with a black tip, when running or walking. In contrast, wolves typically hold their tails horizontally or in line with their backs, and many domestic dogs carry theirs high or curled. Coyote ears are notably large, triangular, and upright, appearing proportionally larger and more pointed than a wolf’s shorter, more rounded ears. Vocalizations provide another clue; coyotes are known for their distinctive yips, barks, and complex, often chorus-like howls. Wolf howls are generally longer, lower, and more consistent in pitch without the characteristic yipping. Fox vocalizations include high-pitched screams or squawks, distinct from coyote sounds. Track identification also helps: coyote paw prints are typically oval-shaped, about 2.5 inches long, and narrower than a wolf’s larger, more rounded tracks. Coyote tracks also show a more direct, straight-line stride compared to the more erratic patterns of domestic dogs.