

Fortunately, attacks are unlikely and very rare, but they do happen.Īs coyote populations increase, these invaders are growing bolder and are known to go after small prey like pets. They like to keep to their territory and are more likely to flee than pick a fight, especially if you appear big and threatening.Ĭoyotes, on the other hand, aren’t as wary of humans. Wolves are less of a threat to humans, in part because we don’t encounter them as much. Coyotes vs wolves – conservation and species managementīoth coyotes and wolves are nocturnal, meaning they’re more active when the sun goes down. If you’re hearing uncanny screaming or laughing in the night, it’s not ghouls it’s coyotes. They’re noisy intruders – barking, yelping, and yipping.Īt times, coyote calls can sound almost human and very eerie. Wolves are known for that instantly recognizable call… long, melodic, and low-pitched.Ĭoyotes, on the other hand, emit a high-pitched howl, a bit like a shriek. Coyotes prefer to do their hunting alone, as that means more food for them. While wolves eat meat, coyotes will eat almost anything!Īnother main difference is that c oyotes range around in loose packs these social groupings are less structured than wolf packs. Coyotes are far less skittish and will be quite brazen in their search for a quick snack. Wolves are more hesitant around humans they tend to stay away and prefer the security of forests and other wilderness.Ĭoyotes, on the other hand, have learned that humans are often around food. If you see something sniffing around the town garbage, it’s much more likely to be a coyote than a wolf. They’re opportunistic animals – always on the lookout for an easy meal. Coyote habits vs wolf habitsĪs urban development encroaches more and more upon rural areas, coyotes are increasingly intruding into cities and neighborhoods across North America. One’s a brash, noisy scavenger, the other a reclusive hunter. BehaviorĬoyotes and wolves behave very differently. Both may also have patches of darker or lighter fur. Grey wolves may be a very dark grey, almost black, and red wolves are typically more of a reddish-brown. Of course, the names aren’t always completely accurate. If you think you see a wolf or a coyote, the easiest and quickest way to tell them apart is their fur.Ĭoyotes are usually brown or pale yellow, whereas wolves can be either grey wolves or red wolves. They’re essentially the opposite of coyotes with large noses and short, rounded ears. Their lean, narrow face makes them more like foxes than wolves and similar to foxes they have large, tall ears. Not only are coyotes smaller than wolves, but they also look quite different.Ĭoyotes have a distinctive muzzle, their noses are small, but their snouts are quite long and almost pointy. A coyote’s marks are half the size of a wolf’s and much easier to spot. Wolves have much bigger feet than coyotes (sometimes as large as an adult hand!), and their pawprints aren’t as well-defined as a coyote’s (wolves have more hair on their feet). If you see tracks around your property and wonder whether they belong to a coyote or a wolf, check out their size and edges. Coyotes are also shorter – they stand around 24 inches tall, but wolves can grow to 32 inches. They can weigh up to 50 lbs, while an adult wolf can reach 150 lbs. Coyote size vs wolf sizeĬoyotes are smaller than wolves. Try to pay close attention to its size, coat, and face. The first thing to note is the animal’s appearance.

If you’re not sure whether those howls you hear at night are a wolf or that feral snout you just glimpsed belongs to a coyote, here are a few telltale signs of coyotes and wolves to consider. They’re both North American predators, they’re both in the canine family, they can both be dangerous – but what are the differences between coyotes and wolves?Īnd, more importantly, how can you tell them apart if you encounter one? Coyote vs Wolf
