Coyotes are a widespread and frequently observed wild canid across North America, often inhabiting diverse environments from rural landscapes to urban fringes. Understanding their physical characteristics is important for accurate identification, as they are sometimes confused with other animals. This article details the distinct features of coyotes, guiding recognition and differentiation from similar canids.
Overall Appearance
Coyotes have a slender, lean build, giving them a graceful yet robust appearance. Their body length, measured from nose to tail base, ranges from 32 to 37 inches, with an additional 12 to 16 inches for their tail. Adult coyotes stand between 23 and 26 inches tall at the shoulder.
Their weight varies significantly based on geographic location and individual health, usually falling within 20 to 50 pounds. Fur coloration is generally grayish-brown to yellowish-gray across their back and sides, often interspersed with black-tipped guard hairs that create a grizzled effect. The fur on their belly and inner legs is typically lighter, ranging from off-white to cream.
Key Identifying Markers
A coyote’s head has large, pointed ears held erect, providing an acute sense of hearing. Their snout is notably narrow and pointed. The eyes are typically yellowish-brown and almond-shaped.
The tail is bushy and usually carried low, either straight down or with a slight downward curve, often with a black tip. When moving, coyotes exhibit a distinctive gait, typically trotting with their tail held low, which helps differentiate them from other canids that may carry their tails higher.
Comparing Coyotes to Other Canids
Distinguishing coyotes from other canids like wolves, domestic dogs, and foxes relies on observing differences in size, build, and features. Wolves are substantially larger and heavier than coyotes, weighing two to three times more and standing taller with a more robust, broader build. Their muzzles are wider and blunter, and their ears are shorter and more rounded compared to a coyote’s pointed ears.
Domestic dogs present a wide range of appearances due to selective breeding, making direct comparison more varied. Coyotes generally possess a more uniform, lean build, a consistently pointed muzzle, and erect ears, unlike many dog breeds. While some dog breeds share superficial resemblances, a coyote’s tail carriage, typically low and bushy, differs from the diverse tail positions seen in domestic dogs.
Foxes, particularly red foxes, are smaller and more delicate in stature than coyotes. They have more reddish-orange fur, often with black “stockings” on their lower legs. A distinguishing feature of many foxes is their highly bushy tail, which is often tipped with white, a contrast to the coyote’s typically black-tipped tail.