Ever spot a wild canine and wonder, “Was that a fox or a coyote?” You’re definitely not the only one. At first glance, these two can look a lot alike—pointy ears, bushy tails, the whole deal. But if you’re trying to tell them apart, size really does make a difference.
A coyote’s definitely bigger than a fox—usually standing over 2 feet tall and carrying a lot more weight. Coyotes have longer legs and a more muscular build. Foxes, on the other hand, look slimmer and have shorter legs.
Spotting these size differences can make identifying them in the wild a lot more fun. Curious about how else they differ? Let’s dig in.
Coyote vs Fox: Size, Weight, and Physical Differences
When you see a wild canine, size, weight, and fur color can help you figure out if it’s a coyote or a fox. Coyotes look bigger and stronger. Foxes show off a lot more color variety.
Height and Body Structure
Coyotes usually stand taller than foxes, reaching about 23 inches at the shoulder. Red or gray foxes are shorter, somewhere between 16 and 20 inches tall.
Coyotes have longer legs and a more muscular frame. Their bodies look lean but tough, built for chasing down bigger prey.
Foxes have shorter legs and a slim, tube-like body. They often just look smaller. Arctic foxes, for instance, are compact to stay warm. Foxes’ ears seem huge compared to their heads, which gives them a pretty unique look.
Weight Comparison
Coyotes pack on more weight than foxes. Most coyotes weigh between 20 and 50 pounds. Foxes usually fall between 5 and 25 pounds.
Red foxes, even though they’re one of the bigger fox species, rarely go over 25 pounds. This weight means coyotes can hunt larger animals, like rabbits or even deer.
Foxes stick to smaller prey—think mice, birds, or insects. So, if you see a tall, hefty canine, it’s probably a coyote. Smaller and lighter? Most likely a fox.
Fur Color and Markings
Foxes come in all sorts of colors. Red foxes might be red, gray, silver, or black. Arctic foxes turn white in winter and brown in summer. Gray foxes have a mix of gray and brown.
Coyotes usually show off gray or reddish-brown fur with some black mixed in. Their coats look more uniform and less flashy than a fox’s.
You’ll spot a fox by its bushy tail, which often ends in a white or black tip. Coyotes’ tails aren’t as fluffy and usually hang down when they run.
These little details really help you figure out which animal you’re looking at.
Want more info? Check out this guide on the differences between foxes and coyotes.
Behavior, Habitat, and Lifespan
Coyotes and foxes might share some of the same spaces, but their lives look pretty different. Their behavior, homes, and lifespans all set them apart.
Habitat and Range
Coyotes can live almost anywhere—forests, deserts, even busy cities. They adapt fast and often hang out near people.
Foxes prefer woods and grassy fields. Red foxes love forests and open fields. Gray foxes can even climb trees, which, honestly, is pretty impressive.
Coyotes roam over bigger territories and sometimes overlap with foxes. But coyotes usually need more space to hunt.
If you’re in a city or suburb, you might see a coyote rummaging through trash or wandering parks. Foxes stay hidden and mostly avoid people.
Social Structure and Activity Patterns
Coyotes act social and sometimes hunt in small family groups, especially when it’s breeding season. You’ll probably hear their howls and yips—they’re a lot louder and more frequent than fox sounds.
Foxes mostly keep to themselves, except when they’re raising pups. Their calls are quieter—think high-pitched barks or screams, which sound nothing like a coyote.
Coyotes hunt bigger animals, like deer or rabbits. Foxes stick to mice, birds, and insects. If you ever spot scat with big bones, it’s probably from a coyote. Fox scat? Usually smaller.
Lifespan in the Wild
Coyotes usually outlive foxes in the wild. If a coyote manages to dodge predators and cars, it can stick around for up to 14 years.
Foxes, on the other hand, typically only make it 2 to 4 years. Their smaller size and all those risks don’t really help their odds.
In captivity, things change. Both coyotes and foxes sometimes live past 14 years, which is kind of impressive.
Their lifespans really depend on stuff like how much food they find, whether they’re safe from predators, and how much humans interfere.
If you’re hoping to spot these animals, knowing how long they live gives you a little insight into how often you might actually see them. You can dig deeper into the differences in coyote and fox lifespans at Fox vs Coyote – The 5 Key Differences – A-Z Animals.
