While both foxes and coyotes are members of the dog family (Canidae), they possess distinct physical characteristics, sizes, and behaviors that differentiate them. The primary distinctions lie in their size, body build, facial features, and tail characteristics.
Key Distinctions at a Glance
A quick way to tell them apart is by their size and snout: coyotes are notably larger with a more dog-like muzzle, while foxes are smaller and typically have a more pointed snout.
Detailed Comparison Table
| Feature | Fox (e.g., Red Fox) | Coyote |
|---|---|---|
| Size & Weight | Generally smaller; weigh around 7-15 pounds. Shoulder height typically 14-20 inches. | Larger than foxes, typically weighing between 10 to 35 pounds with a shoulder height of 18 to 23 inches. |
| Body Build | Slender, agile, and often appear more delicate. | More lean and lanky, built for endurance. |
| Coat Color | Highly variable by species (e.g., red, silver, arctic white), often with lighter undersides. Red foxes are typically reddish-orange with white markings. | Usually a mixture of brown, gray, and tan with black strands. |
| Muzzle | More pointed and narrow. | Broader, more dog-like, and less pointed. |
| Ears | Often relatively large and triangular, pointed upwards. | Medium-sized, erect, and pointed. |
| Tail | Very bushy, often as long as their body, and frequently tipped with white (especially red foxes). It's often carried horizontally or slightly upwards. | Bushy with a black tip that usually hangs downward. |
| Vocalization | Known for barks, yelps, screams, and high-pitched sounds. | Produce a wider range of sounds including yips, barks, howls, and growls. |
| Social Behavior | Often solitary or live in small family groups. | Can be solitary, found in pairs, or sometimes in small family groups; highly adaptable. |
| Habitat | Adaptable; found in forests, grasslands, mountains, and even urban areas globally. | Highly adaptable; found across North and Central America in forests, deserts, mountains, and urban environments. |
Physical Characteristics
Understanding the subtle nuances in their appearance can make identification easier.
Size and Weight
One of the most immediate differentiators is size. Coyotes are considerably larger than foxes, though still smaller than gray wolves. An adult coyote can weigh between 10 to 35 pounds and stand 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder. In contrast, a common fox, such as the red fox, typically weighs much less, usually in the range of 7-15 pounds, with a shorter shoulder height of about 14-20 inches. This size difference is often the first clue in identification.
Coat Color and Markings
While both animals exhibit varied coat colors, coyotes typically feature a blended coat of brown, gray, and tan with black strands, giving them a somewhat grizzled appearance. Foxes, depending on the species, can range from the vibrant reddish-orange of the red fox with its characteristic white belly and throat, to the silver or even white of an Arctic fox.
Muzzle and Ears
Foxes generally possess a more refined, pointed muzzle, giving their face a triangular appearance. Their ears tend to be relatively larger and more acutely triangular, often with distinct markings. Coyotes, on the other hand, have a broader, more robust muzzle that is more reminiscent of a domestic dog, and their ears are typically medium-sized and erect.
Tail
The tail is a critical identifier. A coyote's tail is bushy with a black tip that usually hangs downward, often appearing more slender than a fox's tail. Foxes, particularly red foxes, are famous for their very bushy, plume-like tails, which are often tipped with white and are typically held out straight behind them or slightly upwards when running.
Behavior and Habitat
Both species are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including increasingly urban environments. However, their social structures differ, with foxes often being more solitary or found in small family units, while coyotes, although sometimes solitary, can also form pairs or small family groups.
For more information on these fascinating canids, you can explore resources from organizations dedicated to wildlife conservation and research:
