Ever wondered just how tough a coyote’s bite is? You’re definitely not the only one. Coyotes might just look like another wild dog, but their jaws? They pack more power than you’d expect. A coyote’s bite force usually lands somewhere between 150 and 200 pounds per square inch (PSI)—that’s enough to break bones or take down prey.
When you start to understand this kind of bite strength, you get why coyotes do so well in the wild. If you ever run into one, you’ll want to keep that in mind.
Maybe you’re just curious about how they hunt, or you want to know how to stay safe. Either way, knowing the facts about their bite is a good place to start.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes coyote jaws so powerful, how they stack up against other animals, and why this even matters for people and wildlife. These animals are clever, and their bite is a big part of their survival toolkit.
How Strong Is a Coyote Bite?
Coyotes use their strong bite to catch and kill smaller animals. Their bite force isn’t the same for every individual, but for their size, it’s pretty impressive.
If you compare them to dogs and wolves, you’ll see how their bite measures up.
Coyote Bite Force vs. Domestic Dogs and Wolves
Coyotes bite with a force somewhere between 88 and 150 PSI, though some say it might reach up to 200 PSI. That’s actually pretty close to a human’s bite, which averages about 162 PSI.
Most domestic dogs bite harder than coyotes, averaging about 320 PSI—though it really depends on the breed. German shepherds and Rottweilers, for example, can out-bite coyotes.
Wolves are in a different league, biting at 400 PSI or more. They’re bigger, and they need that power for hunting larger prey.
Coyotes don’t have the strongest bite out there, but they make up for it with sharp teeth and quick reflexes.
How Bite Force Is Measured in Coyotes
Researchers use special sensors to measure a coyote’s bite force. They put these sensors between the coyote’s jaws and record the pressure when it bites down hard.
This method shows exactly how much force their jaws can create. The number depends on how much muscle the coyote uses and the shape of its skull.
These tests help people understand just how much power is behind a coyote’s bite. It’s enough for them to catch prey or protect themselves.
Factors That Affect Coyote Bite Strength
A few things can change how strong a coyote bites. Bigger, older coyotes usually have stronger jaws.
Their diet matters too. If a coyote eats tougher stuff like bones, its jaw muscles get stronger.
Genetics come into play—some coyotes just have bigger skulls from birth.
Where a coyote lives also makes a difference. Coyotes in harsher places or with more food have to hunt harder, so their jaws get even stronger.
So, not every coyote bites the same, but most have plenty of jaw power to thrive in the wild.
If you want more details, here’s a deep dive into coyote bite strength.
Anatomy of Coyote Jaws and Teeth
Take a look at a coyote’s mouth, and you’ll see how the teeth and jaw work together. These features let them hunt and eat all kinds of food.
Their teeth have different shapes and jobs. The way their jaws are built also affects how strong their bite is.
Coyote Teeth Structure and Function
Coyotes have 42 teeth—incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. The incisors at the front are sharp and help them bite and cut food.
The premolars and molars, or cheek teeth, crush and grind what they eat.
Their teeth tear meat and crunch through bones. Four large canine teeth, on the upper and lower jaws, help them grab and hold prey.
The cheek teeth do most of the work when they break down tough food like bones or even hard plants.
Every tooth type has a job, and together, they make eating in the wild a lot easier for coyotes.
Role of Canine Teeth in Biting
Canine teeth really steal the show when it comes to biting. They’re broad, pointed, and a bit circular—perfect for stabbing, gripping, and tearing flesh.
Coyotes use their canines to latch onto prey. Then, they crush or tear it apart with their premolars and molars.
These canines are tough enough to crush bone.
They’re not as razor-sharp as a cat’s teeth, but don’t underestimate them—they can still do real damage if a coyote bites you or another animal.
How Jaw Shape Influences Bite Force
Coyotes have jaws that are pretty long—about 5.5 inches—but they’re not very wide, especially on the lower half. This jaw shape lets them deliver quick, precise bites, focusing most of the force right where their teeth grab and crush.
Their bite force sits at around 88 PSI. Sure, that’s not as powerful as a wolf’s or a big dog’s, but it’s still enough to handle medium-sized prey.
The lower jaw actually does most of the heavy lifting. Most of the snapping power comes from the bottom part, which is kind of interesting if you think about it.
Coyotes also use their narrow snouts to poke into tight spots when they’re hunting. That’s a handy trick.
Their jaw design strikes a balance between strength and speed. It makes their bite surprisingly effective and versatile.
For more details on their teeth, jaws, and bite force, check out this article on coyote teeth and jaws.
