Coyotes (Canis latrans) are adaptable members of the Canidae family, native to North America, that have successfully expanded their range across the continent. As generalist predators, they rely on speed and physical capability to secure a varied diet of small mammals, insects, and vegetation. The biomechanics of their jaw structure determines the maximum force they can exert, reflecting their lifestyle as opportunistic carnivores. This capability is measured as bite force, typically expressed in pounds per square inch (PSI). Understanding this measurement is useful for assessing a predator’s functional role in its ecosystem and its relative strength compared to other animals.
The Measured Bite Force
The bite force of a coyote varies depending on the individual animal, the measurement technique, and the specific location in the jaw where the force is applied. Scientific estimates often place the average bite force in a range, rather than a single, fixed number. A commonly cited range for the coyote’s bite force is approximately 104 to 153 PSI.
This measurement is often obtained in research settings using a specialized device called a gnathodynamometer, or bite meter. The animal is typically encouraged to bite down on a transducer, which converts the physical force into an electrical signal. Researchers also estimate bite force through mathematical models based on skull morphology, which analyzes the size and leverage of the jaw muscles.
Contextualizing the Force
To put the coyote’s bite force into perspective, it is helpful to compare its strength to animals the average person is more familiar with. A typical human bite force averages around 100 to 160 PSI. This comparison shows that the coyote’s bite is only slightly stronger than a person’s, demonstrating that a raw PSI number alone can be misleading without context.
When compared within the coyote’s own family, the strength is moderate. A large domestic dog, such as a German Shepherd or Rottweiler, can generate significantly more pressure, with recorded forces ranging from approximately 230 PSI up to nearly 500 PSI. The coyote’s larger relative, the gray wolf, exhibits an even greater capability, with estimates often exceeding 400 PSI. The coyote’s lower bite force reflects its primary prey preference, which consists of smaller, less resistant animals like rabbits, rodents, and birds.
Biological Mechanisms of the Bite
The coyote’s skull and musculature are adapted for their generalized predatory niche, contributing to the measured bite force. The jaw closing mechanism is powered primarily by two major muscle groups: the temporalis and the masseter muscles. The size of these muscles determines the amount of force that can be generated.
Coyotes possess a relatively narrow muzzle and a skull architecture that optimizes speed and precision over crushing power. This morphology is adapted for a quick, snapping bite, which is beneficial for catching small, fast-moving prey. The coyote’s dentition also includes specialized carnassial teeth, which function like scissors for shearing meat and tough tissue. The position of the carnassial teeth, closer to the jaw joint, allows them to exert a higher localized pressure for cutting, even though the overall maximum bite force is lower than that of larger canids.