Coyotes are highly adaptable canids found across diverse North American landscapes, from forests and grasslands to deserts and urban environments. While most coyotes exhibit a typical coat of tan, gray, or brownish hues, a captivating variation exists: the black coyote. These animals, though less common, present a unique appearance. Their distinctive coloration sets them apart from lighter-colored counterparts.
Physical Characteristics of Black Coyotes
Black coyotes have a coat ranging from smoky-black to deep, solid black, sometimes appearing glossy. While their body is dark, some may display subtle variations, such as a white chest spot or white markings on their feet. They maintain the same slender, agile build typical of the species, designed for speed and maneuverability.
An adult coyote measures between 3.3 to 4.5 feet in length, including their bushy tail, and stands about 18 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder. Their average weight falls within the range of 18 to 44 pounds. Black coyotes feature pointed, erect ears and a long, pointed muzzle. Their eyes are golden-brown or amber. The bushy tail, often tipped with black, is carried low, frequently pointed downwards when the animal is moving.
The Science Behind Black Coloration
The black coat of these coyotes results from melanism, a genetic condition characterized by increased production of eumelanin, the dark pigment responsible for black and brown coloration. This trait is inherited due to a specific gene mutation, primarily linked to the K-locus gene (CBD103), which leads to an overabundance of eumelanin.
The gene for melanism was likely introduced into coyote populations through historical interbreeding with domestic dogs or, more commonly, gray or red wolves that carried the gene. Melanism was common in historical red wolf populations, and as coyotes expanded their range into the eastern United States, particularly the Southeast, they hybridized with these canids, acquiring the gene. Black coyotes are rare, making up approximately 5.7% of the overall coyote population, with higher concentrations in the southeastern United States.
Differentiating Black Coyotes from Other Canids
Distinguishing a black coyote from other black-coated canids, such as black wolves or domestic dogs, requires attention to physical and behavioral cues. Coyotes are smaller and more slender than wolves. Wolves are significantly larger, weighing between 70 to 175 pounds, compared to a coyote’s 18 to 44 pounds. Wolves also have a more robust build, with broader heads and snouts, whereas coyotes have a more pointed muzzle and larger, more erect ears.
Tail carriage is another distinguishing feature; coyotes usually carry their bushy tails low, often between their legs, particularly when running or walking. In contrast, wolves hold their tails horizontally or higher. Differentiating black coyotes from domestic dogs can be more challenging due to the wide variety of dog breeds. However, coyotes have a more lean and athletic physique compared to many dog breeds.
Behavioral patterns also offer clues; coyotes are wild animals that are wary and secretive around humans, preferring to avoid contact. Domestic dogs, conversely, are domesticated and often seek human interaction. Coyotes are highly adaptable and thrive in diverse habitats, including urban environments, a trait that sets them apart from most wolf species.