Coyotes and foxes are wild canines that are often confused with each other due to their similar body shape and coloring. However, there are several key physical differences between the two species that can help you distinguish a coyote from a fox if you happen to spot one. In this article, we will go over the defining features of coyotes and foxes and provide tips on how to identify them. Accurately telling apart these wild animals takes some knowledge of their appearance, behavior, habitat, and other characteristics.
Key Physical Differences
Coyotes and foxes share some similarities in appearance, but there are several important distinctions:
| Feature | Coyote | Fox |
| Size | Much larger, about the size of a medium dog | Smaller, cat-sized |
| Snout | Long, pointed | Sharper, triangular |
| Ears | Large, pointed | Triangular, upright |
| Tail | Full and bushy | Long and bushy with white tip |
| Legs | Long, lanky | Short, compact |
| Color | Mix of tan, gray, brown | Orange, red, gray, black |
As you can see, coyotes have a larger body size comparable to a medium-sized dog, whereas foxes are much smaller and closer to the size of a domestic cat. Coyotes also tend to have leaner builds, longer snouts, larger pointed ears, and a more varied coat coloration. Foxes exhibit more compact frames, fluffy tails with white tips, and sharper facial features. These differences stem from the fact that they belong to separate genera within the Canidae family.
Behavioral Differences
In addition to physical characteristics, the behavior of coyotes and foxes can further set them apart:
| Behavior | Coyote | Fox |
| Activity time | Mostly nocturnal and crepuscular | Nocturnal and crepuscular |
| Social structure | Live in packs with complex social hierarchies | Lead more solitary lives, may form small family groups |
| Communication | Variety of barks, howls, yips | Wide range of vocalizations including screeches, barks, howls |
| Hunting | Opportunistic hunters, will form packs to take down large prey | Hunt alone focusing on small mammals like rodents, rabbits |
| Habitat | Open plains, forests, rural areas | Forests, fields, suburban areas |
Coyotes and foxes overlap in being mostly nocturnal and crepuscular (active at dawn/dusk). However, coyotes exhibit more social complexity, living and hunting in tightly knit family packs. Foxes hunt alone and lead more solitary lives outside of breeding pairs and maternal dens. Coyotes have a broader habitat range and are highly adaptable to rural, suburban, and even urban environments. Foxes favor more natural settings like woods and grasslands.
Identifying Based on Appearance
If you spot what looks like a coyote or fox, the first thing to look for is overall size. Coyotes have a larger frame comparable to a medium-sized dog, whereas foxes are notably smaller. Also pay attention to the facial features. Coyotes have elongated snouts and larger, pointed ears set high on the head. Foxes have more triangular faces with large, upright ears.
Examine the tail. Coyote tails are long, bushy, and typically carried downward and straight when in movement. Fox tails are also long and bushy, but will have a white tip that is very identifiable. The tail may be carried straight out when running.
Coyote fur can vary from grayish brown to yellowish tan. Foxes exhibit more variation with coats that can be red, gray, orange, or mottled in appearance. Backs are darker and legs/undersides are lighter. Look for these color patterns when making an identification.
Identifying Based on Vocalizations
Coyotes and foxes both exhibit an extensive repertoire of sounds from barks and yips to screeches and howls. However, there are some distinguishing features:
– Coyotes howl using both rapid sequences of high-pitched yips and extended, wavering howls. Fox howls are typically single and monosyllabic.
– Coyote barks are harsher and delivered in short bursts. Fox barks are sharper and higher-pitched.
– Coyotes can emit a wide array of yips, yaps, and other sounds. Fox vocalizations are typically limited to screeches, growls, and geckos.
– Foxes make a loud, frightening scream sound during the mating season. Coyotes do not make this particular sound.
If you hear sounds characteristic of coyotes (chorus of yips and wavering howls) versus typical fox vocalizations (short screeches, barks, growls), this can provide another clue on identification.
Identifying Based on Habitat
Habitat preferences also differentiate between the two species:
– Coyotes have highly adapted to a range of settings from prairies to forests to rural and suburban areas. They can thrive close to human populations.
– Foxes strongly prefer more natural woodland and grassland habitats over proximity to human activity and development. They avoid suburban sprawl.
– Coyotes use dens for parenting activities. They prefer dens in rocky crevices but will dig burrows in open areas.
– Foxes utilize underground burrows called dens for reproduction. These are dug in secluded wooded or grassy areas.
If you spot a canine in suburbia, it is more likely a coyote. Spotting one deep in the woods indicates a fox. Burrows in open fields suggest coyotes while dens concealed in natural vegetated areas point to foxes.
Tips for Identification
Follow these tips when trying to decipher between a coyote and fox:
– Note the overall size. Coyotes are medium-sized like dogs. Foxes are small like cats. This is a key identifier.
– Examine the facial features. Coyotes have long snouts and large ears. Foxes have triangular faces and upright ears.
– Look at the tail. Coyote tails are long and bushy without a white tip. Fox tails have a very identifiable white tip.
– Check for behavior clues. Coyotes live in social packs. Foxes hunt alone and are solitary outside of breeding pairs.
– Listen for vocalizations. Coyotes howl and yip in choruses while fox vocalizations are solitary.
– Consider the habitat. Coyotes can thrive close to human activity whereas foxes avoid developed areas.
With practice, you can learn to readily tell coyotes and foxes apart. Understanding their differences allows you to properly identify them if spotted and appreciate the diversity of wild canines roaming our landscapes. Pay attention to size, physical features, behavior, habitat, and other characteristics when making your determination.
Conclusion
Coyotes and foxes may look similar at first glance, but they are distinct species with key differences in appearance, behavior, habitat, and other traits. The most noticeable identifiers are that coyotes have larger frames comparable to medium dogs, long snouts, large drooping ears, bushy tails, varied vocalizations, social pack tendencies, and adaptability to human settings. Foxes exhibit smaller cat-like size, compact builds, triangular faces, fluffy tipped tails, solitary behavior, and preference for more natural woodland habitats away from human activity.
Now that you know what features to look for, you can more confidently tell whether that wild canine is a coyote or fox if you happen to see one roaming the landscape. Proper identification comes down to noting several characteristics like size, facial features, tail shape, vocalizations, habitat, and more. With practice, distinguishing between these two iconic wild animals is straightforward. Knowing if you are observing a coyote versus fox in the wild can lead to greater appreciation of their diversity and adaptations.