Coyotes are common canids found across North America, inhabiting diverse environments from wilderness to urban areas. Understanding their appearance helps distinguish them from other animals. This article details their key physical characteristics, compares them to similar species, and notes regional variations.
Key Physical Characteristics
Coyotes are medium-sized members of the dog family with a slender build. Males weigh 8 to 20 kg (18 to 44 lb), and females 7 to 18 kg (15 to 40 lb). Their shoulder height is around 60 cm (24 inches), with a body length of 1.0 to 1.35 meters (3.3 to 4.3 feet), including their tail.
Their fur is primarily light gray, red, or fulvous, interspersed with black and white hairs. It is long and coarse, appearing grizzled buff on the upper body and whitish on the underside, with reddish tones on the legs. A white throat and belly are typical, and fur color varies from silver-gray to black, with reddish tinges behind the ears and around the face. Coyotes have a distinctive bushy tail, about 40 cm (16 inches) long, with a black tip. This tail is carried low, drooping towards the ground but not touching it, resembling a paintbrush.
Coyote ears are erect, pointed, and relatively large, aiding their acute hearing. Their facial features include a narrow, pointed muzzle. Coyote eyes are yellowish-brown or amber, though they are born with blue eyes that change color as they mature. At night, their eyes exhibit a greenish-gold eyeshine.
Distinguishing Features from Similar Animals
Coyotes are often confused with other canids like wolves and domestic dogs, but distinct physical traits differentiate them. Wolves are larger and more robust, weighing 80 to 120 pounds compared to the coyote’s 20 to 50 pounds. Coyotes have a thinner frame, a more pointed snout, and relatively larger ears than wolves, whose ears are somewhat rounded. While fur coloration can be similar, coyotes carry their tails downwards when moving, unlike wolves, who carry theirs horizontally.
Compared to domestic dogs, coyotes have a wilder, less varied appearance. Their tail carriage is a reliable identifier: a coyote’s bushy tail hangs low, around the ankle, and is never held high or wagged like many domestic dog breeds. Coyotes also have longer, more slender snouts and a more lithe body structure than most domestic dogs. Additionally, coyote tracks are more oval-shaped with toes pointing inward, whereas dog tracks are rounder with toes pointing outward.
Regional Variations
Coyote appearance varies geographically, reflecting adaptations to different environments across North America. Northern subspecies are larger and heavier than their southern counterparts. For instance, eastern coyotes are larger than western coyotes, with eastern females weighing more than western males. Eastern adult coyotes weigh between 30 to 35 pounds, while western coyotes average 20 to 25 pounds.
Fur color and texture also show regional differences. Coyotes in high elevations or forested areas have more black and gray shades and denser, longer fur. In contrast, those in desert regions have paler, more fulvous or whitish-gray coats, and their fur is almost bristly. These variations illustrate how coyotes adapt to their specific habitats.