Foxes and coyotes are both members of the Canidae family. Because they are both wild canids, it can sometimes be hard to tell them apart. We’ve put this guide together to help you figure out if the wild canid in your area is a fox or a coyote.
Fox Vs Coyote
Quick Answer: Coyotes are larger and taller than foxes. Coyotes have much longer limbs, snout and ears. The coyote has dog-like face and generally much bigger than a fox.
Foxes have bushier tails and weigh less than coyotes. Coyotes have a scruffy-looking gray or brown coat, while foxes have a wide variety of colors. Foxes have larger, pointier ears, and shorter legs than a coyote. Coyotes can be found in packs or pairs, while foxes tend to be solitary.
Foxes and coyotes are two of the most widely dispersed wild canids in the world. In many places, their paths cross, so it makes sense that someone may have trouble telling them apart. Luckily, there are traits of each that make identifying them easier.
Fox Description
To tell these two canids apart, you will need to know what each one of them looks like. The fox is much smaller than the coyote. Your average red fox weighs around pounds. This is about the same as
In the same mammal family as the ever-so-lovable dog, coyotes and foxes bear several differences. Here's what you need to know to distinguish between the two.
What's the difference between a fox vs coyote? Like the domestic dog, both the coyote and the fox belong to the Canidae family (where members are known as canids). While these two animals have some similarities, they are indeed quite different on closer inspection. Both the coyote and fox are the most widespread wild animals in North America currently, and the two even overlap with their behavior — These "wild dogs" might also compete with one another!
At first glance, foxes and coyotes might look similar, but other than the cartoon icon Wile E. Coyote always chasing the fast-running Road Runner (meep meep!) in Looney Tunes, or Tod from Disney's The Fox and the Hound, how much do we really know about the two canids? Here's everything you need to tell the difference between the two members of the dog family.
Physical Appearance
The most notable difference between the fox vs coyote is the size: Coyotes have much longer limbs, ears, and snout, making them overall larger and taller than the fox, whe
When you spot a canine in the distance, your first thought might be it’s a coyote or a fox. Although these animals might seem very similar, there are some key differences between foxes vs coyotes that set these species apart. In this article, I will walk you through the big differences between these two beautiful species.
Key highlights:
- Foxes are smaller than coyotes.
- While coyotes live within a social pack, foxes tend to live a solitary existence.
Foxes vs Coyotes: Scientific Classification
The first difference between foxes and coyotes is their scientific classification. While closely related, these animals are two distinct species.
Here’s the scientific classification of coyotes:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Carnivora
- Family: Canidae
- Genus: Canis
- Species: Canis latrans
Note: The picture above is of a coyote.
Importantly, the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife recognizes 19 subspecies of coyotes.
Here’s the scientific classification of foxes:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Carnivora
- Family: Canidae
Note: The picture above is of a red fox.
As of writing,
Coyote Vs Fox: Physical Characteristics, Habitat & Behavior & Pictures
Explore the fascinating differences between coyotes and foxes, from physical characteristics to and behavior. Learn about their unique characteristics, diets, and identification tips, including pictures and photos.
Coyote vs Fox Physical Characteristics
Distinctive Snout Shapes
When it comes to their physical features, coyotes and foxes are both sleek and agile predators. One of the most striking differences between the two is the shape of their snouts. Coyotes have a more elongated snout, often described as , which is ideal for sniffing out prey deep in their burrows. Foxes, on the other hand, have a shorter, more pointed snout, often described as , which is better suited for hunting small mammals.
Both coyotes and foxes have an incredible sense of smell, which plays a crucial role in their hunting and survival. Their snouts are covered with whisker-like hairs called vibrissae, which help them detect the slightest movements and scents. In fact, a coyotes sense of smell is so powerful that it can detect the scent of a rabbit at a distance of several miles!
Ears and Eyes Compared
Another nota
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