Wolves and coyotes are distinct canid species often mistaken for one another. While both belong to the Canis genus, their evolutionary paths diverged, leading to identifiable differences. Understanding these distinctions is important for recognizing them in the wild and appreciating their unique ecological roles.
Physical Distinctions
Wolves and coyotes differ primarily in size and build. Wolves are considerably larger, weighing between 70 to 175 pounds and standing 26 to 33 inches tall at the shoulder. Coyotes are much smaller, weighing 20 to 50 pounds with a shoulder height of 18 to 24 inches. Wolves often appear lankier due to their longer legs, while coyotes possess a more compact, fox-like build.
Their facial features also offer clear indicators. Wolves have broader, blockier heads with wider snouts and powerful jaws. In contrast, coyotes have narrower, more pointed snouts and relatively smaller heads. Regarding their ears, wolves typically have shorter, more rounded ears, whereas coyotes’ ears are proportionally larger and more pointed.
Differences extend to their fur and tails. Coyote fur is commonly a grizzled gray or brown, and is generally thinner. Wolves exhibit a wider range of fur colors, including gray, brown, black, and white, with denser coats.
Wolves tend to carry their bushy tails straight or slightly raised, while coyotes often hold their thinner tails lower. Paw prints also differ, with wolf tracks being larger (around 4 inches wide by 5 inches long) and more rounded, compared to coyote tracks which are smaller (about 2.5 inches by 2 inches) and more oval, often showing distinct claw marks.
Lifestyle and Habitat
The social structures of wolves and coyotes differ significantly. Wolves are highly social animals that live in cooperative packs, typically consisting of a mated pair and their offspring. Pack sizes average eight individuals in North America. Coyotes are generally solitary or live in smaller family units, usually a mated pair with pups, and may form loose groups of up to six adults.
Their hunting strategies and diets reflect these social differences. Wolves are primarily carnivores and cooperative hunters, targeting large prey such as deer, elk, moose, and bison. They work together to bring down animals much larger than themselves, relying on coordinated tactics. Coyotes, on the other hand, are opportunistic omnivores with a more varied diet, preying on smaller animals like rodents, rabbits, and birds, and readily scavenging. While they typically hunt alone or in pairs, coyotes can sometimes group up to hunt medium-sized prey.
Vocalizations are also distinct. Wolves are known for their deep, sustained, and mournful howls, which they use for long-distance communication and to reinforce social bonds within the pack. Coyotes produce higher-pitched vocalizations, including a distinctive mix of yips, yaps, and short howls, often described as a “yip-howl.” These sounds help alert pack members to danger or coordinate their activities.
Regarding habitat and range, wolves generally prefer remote wilderness areas with large territories, inhabiting northern North America, parts of Europe, and Asia. Their presence is often limited to regions with ample space and resources to sustain a pack, and they tend to avoid human-dominated landscapes. Coyotes display remarkable adaptability, thriving in diverse environments from rural to suburban and urban areas across nearly all of North America. This adaptability has allowed them to significantly expand their range, often utilizing human-altered landscapes.
Understanding Coywolves
The term “coywolf” refers to a hybrid canid that has emerged from the interbreeding of coyotes, eastern wolves, gray wolves, and sometimes domestic dogs. This hybridization has occurred because these species are genetically similar enough to produce fertile offspring. The existence of coywolves is largely attributed to habitat loss and changes in population distribution, which forced these canids into closer proximity, leading to cross-breeding.
These hybrids, often referred to as eastern coyotes, complicate identification because they exhibit a blend of traits from their parent species. Coywolves are generally larger than typical western coyotes but smaller than pure wolves, and they can possess stronger jaws and skulls. This mix of characteristics makes visual identification challenging for an observer, as they may display wolf-like size or coyote-like features. Coywolves are primarily found across eastern North America, ranging from Canada south to Virginia. Their genetic makeup can vary, with some populations showing influences from multiple parent species.