Ever seen a wild canine and wondered, "Is that a coyote or a wolf?" You're not alone! These two cousins share some similarities, but knowing the key differences can help you tell them apart.
Size is a good starting point. Wolves are significantly larger, often weighing twice as much as coyotes. Think of wolves as the canine equivalent of a Great Dane, while coyotes are more like a medium-sized Border Collie.
Next, look at their faces. Wolves have broader snouts and rounder ears, while coyotes have narrower, more pointed snouts and taller, more pointed ears. Coyote tails are also bushier and usually carried down, while wolves tend to hold their tails straight out or slightly down.
Finally, consider their behavior. Wolves typically live in tightly-knit packs with complex social structures, whereas coyotes are often solitary or live in smaller family groups. While both can be vocal, wolf howls are deeper and more resonant, while coyote vocalizations are more varied, including yips, barks, and howls. Knowing these distinctions will make you a pro at spotting the difference between these amazing canids!
