In this article, Fox Vs Coyote, we will delve into foxes and coyotes, uncovering their distinct characteristics and revealing how to tell them apart quickly.
A moonlit night, an eerie silence broken only by the rustling of leaves. Suddenly, two sets of glowing eyes appear in the darkness, fixed on each other like ancient rivals engaged in an eternal battle. One is sleek and sly like a phantom thief; the other stands tall with confident authority. Welcome to the enigmatic world of foxes and coyotes – nature’s riddle left many stumped for centuries. But fear not! In this article, we will unlock their secrets, unraveling clues that will help you distinguish between these cunning creatures once and for all. Prepare for an adventure into the wild, where myths are debunked, and realities are uncovered!
Fox Description
A fox is much smaller than a coyote, typically weighing around 10-25 pounds. A Coyote can weigh anywhere from 45-100 pounds. A fox’s ears are smaller than the coyote’s, with the tips slightly downward. Coyotes also have noticeably larger jaws and shorter limbs and tails. Their fur tends to be lighter, ranging from golden brown to reddish-brown, and that of a fox is usually darker, ranging from black to almost brownish-grey.
Red foxes are North America’s most common type of fox, weighing anywhere from 2 to 20 pounds. On average, red foxes weigh 10-15 pounds.
Foxes and coyotes both have huge pointy ears. The fox’s tail is more significant than a coyote’s and bushier. The fur on their tails is also thicker, making them less likely to be caught in the wind. Foxes are also better climbers and can navigate rugged terrain better than Coyotes.
Foxes come in many shapes and sizes, but they all have one thing in common- they are cunning predators. Grey foxes may look more like coyotes because they have similar colors, but coyotes are much more significant. The average grey fox is only about one-third the size of an average coyote.

Foxes typically weigh between 2 and 12 pounds, with the smallest being the kits and the largest being the adults. Their fur can be light brown, light gray, dark brown, or black, and their tails can be short or long.
What does a Coyote look like?
Coyotes, or prairie dogs, are almost twice as large as the average fox. The coyote’s fur is grey or brown. Sometimes it can look rusty-coloured. Coyotes have bushy tails and long snouts. They can be found in many parts of the world but are most common in North America.
Coyotes and foxes are two different canids living in North America. Coyotes have a narrower muzzle, and their ears are usually darker than foxes. They also have light-colored underbellies, and foxes have darker ones.
Coyotes and foxes are two common carnivores in North America. Coyotes are typically 3.5 to 4.5 feet long, and foxes are only about 1.5 to 3 feet long. Coyotes have more petite tails with black tips, while foxes have bushy tails ranging from black to dark brown or nearly black. Most coyotes have lighter fur on their chests and bellies. Foxes tend to have darker hair all over their bodies.
Coyotes are slender, long-legged animals that probably don’t have many obese individuals. They have a long tail, which is unusual for canines. The average weight for a coyote is about 12 to 18 pounds, but the heaviest ones can weigh up to 30 pounds. Their legs are very long, which gives them good mobility on the ground and in the trees.
Coyotes can vary in color, making it difficult to distinguish between individual animals. Gray, brown, black, and even reddish-colored coyotes are common. The color variations may be due to the animals‘ diet or lifestyle choices.

Fox Vs Coyote
The main difference between foxes and coyotes is size – coyotes are typically smaller than foxes. Foxes are much more varied in appearance, with some having narrower faces, longer tails, and more pointed ears than others. Their fur ranges from light grey to black, with a reddish tinge on the cheeks and around the eyes.
The fox and coyote are the world’s most widely dispersed wild canids. In many places, their paths cross, so it makes sense that someone may encounter these animals. Here are some information about these animals:
1. Foxes are more miniature than coyotes and have narrower heads and bodies.
2. Their fur is generally light but also dark or black.
3. They have large ears and tails that help them stay stealthy in their environment.
4. Coyotes have a more widespread distribution than foxes and can be found in nearly every country worldwide.
5. They are opportunistic predators that eat anything they can get their paws on, including meat, eggs, insects, and berries.
Sounds
The foxes’ noises are often used to communicate with each other and to lure in prey. Their noises can also scare away predators and are used in some cultures as charms or amulets.
Coyotes are widely distributed pack animal that ranges throughout North America. They can be found in various habitats, including forests, deserts, and prairies. Coyotes have several different sounds they use to communicate with each other, including howls and barks.
Different foxes make different noises when they talk. Some make yelps, screeches, screams, and more. The foxes who make these noises are known as “vocalizers.”
Some people might think they hear a fox when they hear the high-pitched sound of its cry, but in reality, the noise from the fox is just very high-pitched. The fox’s cry is around 150 hertz, while human speech ranges from 50 to 20,000. This means that when you hear a fox screech, it does sound like someone is screaming bloody murder!
Both animals have high-pitched sounds, but the coyotes are much longer, while foxes are mostly short bursts. Each animal has different calls that mean something. Coyotes use a howl to warn off predators, while foxes yap to communicate with each other and hunt.
Do Coyotes have a Den?
Coyotes are known for cunning and use their dens to protect their young and themselves from predators. Coyotes make their dens under large boulders or where they can dig deep down. They often build a series of holes over time, using materials such as leaves, sticks, and debris.
Pets are often considered “man’s best friend,” but that doesn’t mean they always have to live inside. Some pets can be pretty adaptable and found close to civilization, which can be a pain for homeowners who worry about their pets being outside at night. Pet owners should remember that these animals are brilliant and can learn how to get around town safely if given the opportunity. Many pets enjoy the company of other animals and will feel at home in a neighborhood full of them.
This can cause territorial disputes between the two. A fox’s den is usually a hole in the ground or a small pile of earth, but it can also be a tree or other high place. Foxes are watchful and intelligent animals, so they often have elaborate dens with several entrances and exits. They may use the same den for different seasons or when their family moves from one area to another. Foxes are solitary animals except during mating season when several males live together in a group called a warren.
Both animals mark their dens and home range with urine.
Coyotes are one of North America’s most common mammals. The coyote ranges throughout much of the United States and parts of Canada. Coyote behavior is characterized by its keen sense of smell, skill in hunting and scavenging, and social organization.
The males avoid the dens and pups while being raised, which can harm their survival. Holes can also lead to territorial disputes with other coyotes, resulting in death for both the coyote and its pup.
Foxes Vs Coyotes Feces
Fox feces and coyote feces are usually different in size. Fox feces are generally around two inches long, while coyote feces can be up to four inches long. The differences in length may be due to diet or lifestyle, but the primary difference between fox and coyote scat is the presence of their respective prey. Foxes scavenge for food, so their feces contain animal remains, such as fur and bones. Coyotes primarily eat meat and do not leave behind animal remains in their droppings.
Many people are familiar with the feces of animals that they eat. Did you know that the feces of both animals and plants have pointy, twisted ends? This is because these ends help the animal or plant digest sharp bones. Wrapping their feces around the bone helps to break it down and extract nutrients.
Do Foxes and Coyotes Interbreed?
Foxes and coyotes are members of the Canidae family. They are of different species and genera. This means they cannot interbreed and are classified as two other animals. Foxes are typically smaller than coyotes, with a longer snout, smaller ears, and a shorter tail. They have black fur on their bodies with a yellowish-white underbelly. Coyotes are more robust, with a reddish-brown coat that is matted in places. Both species have claws on their front feet that help them to climb trees and hunt prey.
The chromosomes of the fox and coyote do not always line up correctly to produce offspring. This means that although the two animals are closely related, they cannot create viable offspring. This is because their chromosomes are not compatible.
Size of a Fox Compared to a Coyote?
We have created a chart to tell you about the difference in size between Foxes and Coyotes.
Foxes | Coyotes | |
Face | Fox’s face is smaller, with more narrow muzzles. | Coyote has larger faces with wider muzzles. |
Fur | Coyote fur is grey, brown, rusty, cinnamon, and white. | Coyote has more prominent faces with wider muzzles. |
Ears | Fox fur varies from orange, grey, tan, black, and white. | Coyote has more prominent faces with wider muzzles. |
Weight | The average red fox weighs 10-15 pounds. | The average coyote weighs around 15-50 pounds. |
Length | Fox is around 1.5-3 feet long. | Coyotes are 3 or 4.5 feet long. |
Height | The red fox is 14-20 inches tall, shoulder height. | The coyote is around 24 inches tall. |
Which is More Dangerous, Fox or Coyote?
Coyotes are at the top of the list for their danger level. They will quickly snatch up your pet for a meal, which can be dangerous if not supervised.
Coyotes have been known to prey on livestock, making them a more significant threat to farms than foxes. Foxes are mainly prey on smaller animals, such as chickens and ducks. The coyote population is increasing dramatically, so they may soon start preying on larger farm animals. Coyotes pose a significant danger to livestock because they can take down larger animals with little effort. This means that any cattle or sheep on a farm should be kept under close watch by farmers to ensure they don’t get killed by a coyote.
Coyotes are naturally curious creatures and often approach humans if they can escape it. Coyotes will attack if provoked or feel threatened. If you have a pet that gets along well with coyotes, keeping them outside these predators’ reach is best.
Will a Coyote kill a Fox?
Coyotes are pack animals and usually kill anything that gets in their way, including foxes. Foxes have a much better chance of winning if they come up against a coyote from toe to toe rather than running away. If the fox can get close enough, it can wound or even kill the coyote with its sharp teeth and claws.
Coyotes are known for their hunting skills and the fact that they will eat other canids if they are hungry enough. Most wild canids have no problem eating other canids. This includes foxes, which many coyotes consider a food source because of their size and strength.
Conclusion
Both foxes and coyotes are fascinating creatures that have adapted to survive in diverse habitats. While they may share similar physical attributes and hunting strategies, the two species exhibit distinct behaviors and characteristics. Foxes are known for their cunning and agility, while coyotes are renowned for their adaptability and resilience. Despite their differences, both animals play vital roles in maintaining ecological balance by controlling populations of prey species. As humans continue encroaching upon their habitats, we must strive to coexist peacefully with these incredible creatures. Let us appreciate and protect the unique qualities of foxes and coyotes, ensuring that future generations can witness their beauty and importance in the natural world firsthand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does fox urine attract Coyotes?
There is little evidence that the urine of foxes attracts coyotes, but it is an exciting topic for research.
For coyotes, fox urine is a sign of other wild canids.
Are foxes and coyotes dangerous to humans?
Both animals generally avoid human contact and pose no significant threat unless provoked or cornered.
What is the main difference between a fox and a coyote?
The main difference lies in their size, with coyotes larger than foxes.
Are foxes and coyotes related?
Yes, foxes and coyotes belong to the same family of canines, but they are different species.
Do foxes and coyotes live in the same habitats?
Both animals can be found in various environments. Foxes prefer woodland areas, while coyotes adapt well to diverse habitats.
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