Coyote Vs Fox (7 Striking Differences)

This is a fierce face-off between Coyote and Fox, and In this post, I will reveal the striking differences between these two animals.

And at the end of this ride, you will learn:

• Is A coyote stronger than a fox?
• How do you tell if it’s a fox or a coyote?
• Is a coyote a dog or a fox?
• Can A Fox Breed With A Coyote?

But before I reveal the differences between a fox and a coyote, allow me to share with you an overview of these creatures.

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An Overview of Coyote

The coyote (Canis latrans), a stunning species of canine native to North America, has a unique class in the world of predators.

Smaller than its close relative, the wolf, and slightly smaller than the eastern wolf and red wolf, the coyote fills the ecological niche comparable to the golden jackal in Eurasia.

Historically, it was referred to as the American jackal, emphasizing its behavioral resemblance to the jackal species. Coyotes are blessed with adaptability.

The coyote has shown its capacity to succeed in environments shaped by human activity across North America, with urban coyotes becoming a common sight in many cities.

Surprisingly, in 2013, a coyote was even spotted in eastern Panama, boosting its range. With 19 recognized subspecies, the coyote shows a broad spectrum of size and appearance variations.

Males typically weigh between 8 to 20 kg (18 to 44 lb), while females average 7 to 18 kg (15 to 40 lb).

Their fur displays a mix of light gray and red or fulvous, interspersed with black and white, though the fur colors may vary depending on geographic location.

The coyote’s social organization is quite adaptable, as it can live either in family units or with unrelated individuals.

Its diet primarily consists of deer, rabbits, hares, rodents, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates, though coyotes may also indulge in fruits and vegetables occasionally.

A lone howl characterizes their vocalization, which helps various purposes in their communication. Despite being resourceful survivors, coyotes face threats from humans, cougars, and gray wolves.

Interestingly, in certain regions, hybridization between coyotes and other canid species, such as gray, eastern, or red wolves, has resulted in intriguing “coywolf” hybrids.

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An Overview Of Fox

Foxes can be cunning creatures, and they belong to several genera of the family Canidae and are characterized by their small to medium-sized frames, skulls, upright ears, pointed upturned snouts, and long, bushy tails, also known as “brushes.”

Within the monophyletic “true fox” group of genus Vulpes, twelve species make their home, while an additional 25 current or bygone species are sometimes classified as foxes, belonging to either the paraphyletic group of the South American foxes or the distant group, including the bat-eared fox, gray fox, and island fox.

Foxes’ can be found in every continent except Antarctica. Among them, the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is the most widespread, with about 47 identified subspecies.

Their wide distribution for cunning has made foxes well-known in popular culture worldwide. In the New World, the hunting of foxes with hounds, an established European ideal, was carried over by European immigrants.

Unlike many other canids, foxes do not always form groups. Typically, they live in small family groups, while some, like the Arctic fox, lead solitary lives.

Their omnivorous diet includes invertebrates, such as insects, and small vertebrates like reptiles and birds. Additionally, they may consume eggs and vegetation, with some species showing more specialized dietary choices.

Even their hunting techniques among foxes are fascinating. They use a particular strategy, hiding themselves in the terrain and using their powerful hind legs to leap onto their chosen prey.

With their canine teeth, they grip their prey’s neck and shake it until it’s out of action. One outstanding feature of the gray fox, one of only two canid species known for this, is its ability to climb trees.

Moreover, male foxes have a unique reproductive anatomy, featuring a baculum or penile bone. Their breeding cycle spans twelve months, with vixens in the heat for one to six days.

Following fertilization, the gestation period can last from 52 to 53 days, resulting in trash with an average of four to five kits.

Furthermore, foxes are known for their diverse vocalizations, such as whining, yelping, explosive calls, combative calls, growls, and barks.

These vocal cues perform various intents, from encouraging the mother to care for her young to warning against intruders and expressing excitement.

Do you even know that In some regions, foxes are considered pests due to their opportunistic attacks on poultry and small livestock?

However, they have adapted well to urban environments, making the designation of “resident urban carnivores” in certain areas. Foxes’ introduction to different locations has had effects on local flora and fauna.

The case of domesticated silver foxes in Russia is a notable example of sustained domestication, resulting in physical and behavioral changes akin to those seen in domestic cats and dogs.

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7 Striking Differences Between Coyotes And Fox

Foxes and coyotes are members of the Canidae family and share certain traits, yet they have unique characteristics that make them interesting subjects of comparison.

According to a pet fanatic, Olakintan discussed seven striking differences between a coyote and a fox.

1. Coyote Vs Fox: Anatomy

Foxes belong to the genus Vulpes, while coyotes are categorized under Canis, but despite being families, their specific classifications stress unique evolutionary paths.

2. Coyote Vs Fox: Size

When it comes to physical dimensions, coyotes are superior. Coyotes are larger and taller than foxes, and they measure between 3 to 4.5 feet in length, while foxes typically span 1 to 3 feet, with an additional 2 feet for their bushy tails. Coyotes’ size adaptation helps in their specialized hunting techniques.

3. Coyote Vs Fox: Hunting Strategies

Both foxes and coyotes are great hunters, but their prey preferences differ. Foxes are opportunistic predators, enjoying a varied diet of small mammals, birds, insects, and more.

In contrast, coyotes display a more specialized approach, opting for larger prey like deer and rabbits, showing their skills as tough predators in North America.

4. Coyote Vs Fox: Adaptability

Foxes are kind of clever, often using tools to help their hunting efforts. Their creativity is displayed by their unique diversion technique. Also, coyotes show intelligence and adaptability, but their approach is different from the cunning of foxes.

5. Coyote Vs Fox: Appearance

Observing their physical characteristics, one can identify minute differences. Foxes have a variety of colors, ranging from red, gray, brown, and black, to white and silver. Coyotes, however, tend to have a more consistent reddish-brown or gray hue.

6. Coyote Vs Fox: Regional Distribution

Foxes prove their adaptability on a worldwide scale, occupying various environments across numerous continents. But, coyotes have a more localized distribution, primarily found in North America.

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7. Coyote Vs Fox: Lifespan

Lifespan differences between foxes and coyotes depend on various factors, including species, habitat, and health. Generally, foxes have a shorter life, with a wild lifespan of 2 to 4 years and up to 14 years in captivity.

Comparatively, coyotes can live up to 14 years in the wild and up to 15 years in captivity. However, both face threats that impact their longevity, such as predators, disease, and human activities.

FAQ

● Is A Coyote Stronger Than A Fox?

Yes, a coyote is stronger than a fox. Coyotes are larger and more robust, weighing between 18 to 44 pounds, while foxes typically weigh 8 to 15 pounds.

The size advantage, along with their specialized hunting skills, makes coyotes more formidable predators compared to the fox.

● How Do You Tell If It’s A Fox Or Coyote?

Distinguishing between a fox and a coyote can be challenging due to their shared family, Canidae. However, some key differences can help identify them.

Coyotes are larger, weighing 18 to 44 pounds, with a bushy tail and a pointed snout. Foxes are smaller, weighing 8 to 15 pounds, and have a more slender appearance with a long, bushy tail. Observing size, tail shape, and overall body balance can help in telling them apart.

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● Is A Coyote A Dog Or Fox?

Coyotes are members of the dog family Canidae, just like foxes and wolves. While they are different species, they share a common root and belong to the same family.

● Can A Fox Breed With A Coyote?

No, a fox can not breed with a coyote because they are not the same genus. Foxes, coyotes, and wolves are all members of the dog family Canidae, but they belong to different genera. As a result, they have separate genetic differences that stop interbreeding between these species.