Coyotes vs. Foxes — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 16, 2024
Coyotes are larger, versatile canids found throughout North and Central America, while foxes are smaller, agile canids with a broader range including North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Difference Between Coyotes and Foxes
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Coyotes (Canis latrans) are medium-sized canids known for their adaptability and widespread presence across North and Central America. They typically have a grayish-brown coat, pointed ears, and a bushy tail. Foxes, particularly the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), are smaller canids with a more widespread range, including North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. They are characterized by their reddish fur, slender bodies, and bushy tails.
Coyotes tend to be more social than foxes, often forming packs, especially during the breeding season or when raising young. Foxes are generally more solitary, coming together primarily for mating. Coyotes have a more pronounced role as predators in their ecosystems, sometimes preying on larger animals like deer, whereas foxes mainly target smaller prey.
Physically, coyotes are larger, weighing between 20-50 pounds, while foxes typically weigh between 6-24 pounds. Coyotes have a more robust build, while foxes are more delicate and agile. Both species are known for their cunning and intelligence, often depicted in folklore and mythology.
Comparison Chart
Scientific Name
Canis latrans
Vulpes vulpes (red fox)
Size
Medium-sized, 20-50 pounds
Smaller, 6-24 pounds
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Habitat
North and Central America
North America, Europe, Asia, Africa
Social Structure
Often form packs
Generally solitary
Diet
Omnivores (small mammals, insects, fruits)
Omnivores (small mammals, birds, insects, fruits)
Physical Traits
Grayish-brown coat, pointed ears, bushy tail
Reddish fur, slender body, bushy tail
Adaptability
Highly adaptable to various environments
Highly adaptable to various environments
Role in Ecosystem
Predators, sometimes targeting larger prey
Predators, primarily targeting smaller prey
Compare with Definitions
Coyotes
Medium-sized canids known for their adaptability.
Coyotes have expanded their range into urban areas.
Foxes
Adaptable to diverse habitats, including urban areas.
Foxes are often seen in suburban neighborhoods.
Coyotes
Found throughout North and Central America.
Coyotes are commonly seen in the deserts of the southwestern United States.
Foxes
Characterized by reddish fur, slender body, and bushy tail.
Foxes are known for their striking reddish fur.
Coyotes
Often form packs, especially during breeding season.
A pack of coyotes was heard howling in the distance.
Foxes
Omnivorous diet including small mammals, birds, and fruits.
Foxes are skilled hunters of birds and small mammals.
Coyotes
Typically grayish-brown with pointed ears and a bushy tail.
The coyote's bushy tail helps with balance and communication.
Foxes
Generally solitary, except during mating season.
A solitary fox was spotted hunting in the early morning.
Coyotes
Omnivorous diet including small mammals, insects, and fruits.
Coyotes often hunt rabbits and rodents.
Foxes
A member of a Native American people formerly inhabiting various parts of southern Michigan, southern Wisconsin, northern Illinois, and eastern Iowa, with present-day populations in central Iowa and with the Sauk in Oklahoma.
Coyotes
A wolflike carnivorous mammal (Canis latrans) of North and Central America, having grayish-brown or yellowish fur, large erect ears, and a drooping bushy tail. Also called prairie wolf.
Foxes
The Algonquian language of the Fox.
Coyotes
A firefighter who is sent to battle remote, usually very severe forest fires, often for days at a time.
Foxes
Any of various carnivorous mammals of the family Canidae and especially of the genus Vulpes, found worldwide and characteristically having upright ears, a pointed snout, and a long bushy tail.
Coyotes
(Slang) A person who smuggles undocumented immigrants into the United States, especially across the Mexican border.
Foxes
The fur of one of these mammals.
Coyotes
Plural of coyote
Foxes
A crafty, sly, or clever person.
Foxes
(Slang) A sexually attractive person.
Foxes
(Nautical) Small cordage made by twisting together two or more strands of tarred yarn.
Foxes
(Archaic) A sword.
Foxes
To trick or fool by ingenuity or cunning; outwit.
Foxes
To baffle or confuse.
Foxes
To make (beer) sour by fermenting.
Foxes
To repair (a shoe) by attaching a new upper.
Foxes
(Obsolete) To intoxicate.
Foxes
To act slyly or craftily.
Foxes
To turn sour in fermenting. Used of beer.
Foxes
Plural of fox
Foxes
Smaller canids with a wide range.
The red fox is found across Europe, Asia, and North America.
Common Curiosities
What do foxes typically eat?
Foxes are also omnivores, primarily eating small mammals, birds, insects, and fruits.
Where are coyotes commonly found?
Coyotes are found throughout North and Central America, including urban areas.
Where are foxes commonly found?
Foxes have a broader range, including North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
What do coyotes typically eat?
Coyotes are omnivores, eating small mammals, insects, fruits, and sometimes garbage.
Do coyotes or foxes live in urban areas?
Both coyotes and foxes can adapt to urban environments.
Are foxes found in Africa?
Yes, some species of foxes are found in Africa.
Can coyotes and foxes coexist in the same area?
Yes, they can coexist, but they may compete for similar food resources.
What is the primary difference between coyotes and foxes?
Coyotes are larger and more social, often forming packs, while foxes are smaller and more solitary.
How do coyotes and foxes differ in social behavior?
Coyotes often form packs, especially during breeding and raising young, whereas foxes are generally solitary.
How do coyotes and foxes differ in physical appearance?
Coyotes have a grayish-brown coat and a more robust build, while foxes are more delicate with reddish fur and a slender body.
Are coyotes or foxes larger?
Coyotes are larger, weighing between 20-50 pounds, while foxes typically weigh between 6-24 pounds.
Do coyotes howl?
Yes, coyotes are known for their distinctive howls, especially at night.
Are coyotes or foxes more adaptable?
Both are highly adaptable, thriving in a wide range of environments, including urban areas.
Are coyotes and foxes both predators?
Yes, both are predators, but coyotes sometimes target larger prey, while foxes usually target smaller animals.
Do foxes have a characteristic sound?
Yes, foxes make various sounds, including barks, screams, and howls.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
