Fox vs. Coyote: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A fox is a small, omnivorous mammal with a bushy tail and pointed snout, while a coyote is a larger, more adaptable canid, known for its distinctive howl.
Key Differences
Foxes are generally smaller than coyotes, with more delicate features like a slender build and pointed snout. Coyotes, on the other hand, are larger and sturdier with a broader snout. This size difference is one of the most noticeable distinctions between the two.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
In terms of habitat, foxes are highly adaptable but often prefer forested areas or urban settings. Coyotes are also adaptable but are more commonly found in open landscapes and less densely populated regions. Both animals have shown remarkable adaptability to changing environments.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
The social behavior of foxes and coyotes differs significantly. Foxes are more solitary, often hunting and living alone or in small family groups. Coyotes, in contrast, are known to form larger packs and exhibit more complex social structures.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
When it comes to vocalizations, foxes have a range of sounds for different purposes, but their vocalizations are less prominent than those of coyotes. Coyotes are known for their distinctive howls, which they use for communication within their packs and to mark territory.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
The diet of a fox typically includes rodents, insects, fruit, and birds. Coyotes have a more varied diet, consuming larger prey like deer and livestock, as well as fruits, rodents, and carrion. Their dietary flexibility is a key factor in their widespread distribution.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
ADVERTISEMENT
Fox and Coyote Definitions
Fox
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Coyote
A wild canid native to North America, known for its adaptability and vocalizations.
The coyote howled under the moonlit sky.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Coyote
A person who smuggles immigrants across borders, especially into the United States.
The refugees relied on a coyote to cross the border.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Fox
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Coyote
An opportunistic or cunning person.
He was as wily as a coyote in his business dealings.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Coyote
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Coyote
A firefighter who is sent to battle remote, usually very severe forest fires, often for days at a time.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Coyote
(Slang) A person who smuggles undocumented immigrants into the United States, especially across the Mexican border.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Fox
(Nautical) Small cordage made by twisting together two or more strands of tarred yarn.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Coyote
A smuggler of undocumented immigrants across the land border from Latin America into the United States of America.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Coyote
To prospect for gold by manually digging holes into overlying earth, as into a hillside.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Coyote
A carnivorous animal (Canis latrans), allied to the dog, found in the western part of North America; - called also prairie wolf. Its voice is a snapping bark, followed by a prolonged, shrill howl.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Coyote
Someone who smuggles illegal immigrants into the United States (usually acress the Mexican border)
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Coyote
A forest fire fighter who is sent to battle remote and severe forest fires (often for days at a time)
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Coyote
A symbol of craftiness in various Native American mythologies.
In the story, the coyote tricked the other animals.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Coyote
A self-reliant, adventurous person.
She had a coyote's spirit, always exploring new territories.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Fox
A red fox, small carnivore (Vulpes vulpes), related to dogs and wolves, with red or silver fur and a bushy tail.
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Fox
Any of numerous species of small wild canids resembling the red fox. In the taxonomy they form the tribe Vulpini within the family Canidae, consisting of nine genera (see the Wikipedia article on the fox).
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Fox
The gemmeous dragonet, a fish, Callionymus lyra, so called from its yellow color.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Fox
(nautical) A small strand of rope made by twisting several rope-yarns together. Used for seizings, mats, sennits, and gaskets.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Fox
(obsolete) A sword; so called from the stamp of a fox on the blade, or perhaps of a wolf taken for a fox.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Fox
(transitive) To trick, fool or outwit (someone) by cunning or ingenuity.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Fox
(transitive) To confuse or baffle (someone).
This crossword puzzle has completely foxed me.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Fox
(intransitive) To discolour paper. Fox marks are spots on paper caused by humidity. (See foxing.)
The pages of the book show distinct foxing.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Fox
(intransitive) To turn sour; said of beer, etc., when it sours in fermenting.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Fox
(transitive) To repair (boots) with new front upper leather, or to piece the upper fronts of.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Fox
A carnivorous animal of the genus Vulpes, family Canidæ, of many species. The European fox (V. vulgaris or V. vulpes), the American red fox (V. fulvus), the American gray fox (V. Virginianus), and the arctic, white, or blue, fox (V. lagopus) are well-known species.
Subtle as the fox for prey.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Fox
The fox shark or thrasher shark; - called also sea fox. See Thrasher shark, under Shark.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Fox
Rope yarn twisted together, and rubbed with tar; - used for seizings or mats.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Fox
A sword; - so called from the stamp of a fox on the blade, or perhaps of a wolf taken for a fox.
Thou diest on point of fox.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Fox
A tribe of Indians which, with the Sacs, formerly occupied the region about Green Bay, Wisconsin; - called also Outagamies.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Fox
To intoxicate; to stupefy with drink.
I drank . . . so much wine that I was almost foxed.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Fox
To repair the feet of, as of boots, with new front upper leather, or to piece the upper fronts of.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Fox
Alert carnivorous mammal with pointed muzzle and ears and a bushy tail; most are predators that do not hunt in packs
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Fox
English statesman who supported American independence and the French Revolution (1749-1806)
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Fox
English religious leader who founded the Society of Friends (1624-1691)
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Fox
A member of an Algonquian people formerly living west of Lake Michigan along the Fox River
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Fox
Deceive somebody;
We tricked the teacher into thinking that class would be cancelled next week
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Fox
Be confusing or perplexing to; cause to be unable to think clearly;
These questions confuse even the experts
This question completely threw me
This question befuddled even the teacher
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Fox
A small to medium-sized omnivorous mammal of the Canidae family with a bushy tail.
The red fox stealthily approached the henhouse.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Fox
A cunning or sly person.
He was known as a fox in the business world for his clever strategies.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Fox
To act cunningly or deceitfully.
She foxed her way through the negotiation.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Fox
To repair or adjust a mechanism in an ingenious way.
He foxed the old car's engine to make it run again.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Fox
A member of a Native American people of various northeastern states.
The Fox tribe played a significant role in the region's history.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Are foxes known for being cunning?
Yes, foxes are often characterized as cunning or sly in folklore.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Do coyotes live in packs?
Coyotes often form larger packs and have complex social structures.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Can foxes adapt to urban environments?
Yes, many fox species have adapted well to urban settings.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Are foxes solitary animals?
Foxes are more solitary, often living alone or in small family groups.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Do foxes have a varied diet?
Foxes typically eat rodents, insects, fruit, and birds.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Are coyotes bigger than foxes?
Yes, coyotes are generally larger and sturdier than foxes.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Can foxes climb trees?
Some fox species, like the gray fox, can climb trees.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
What are the typical habitats of coyotes?
Coyotes are commonly found in open landscapes and rural areas.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
What is a distinctive feature of coyote communication?
Coyotes are known for their distinctive howls.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
What colors do foxes come in?
Foxes can be red, gray, black, white, or a mix of these colors.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Do foxes have a bushy tail?
Yes, one of the distinctive features of a fox is its bushy tail.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
What is the size of a fox's territory?
Fox territories vary in size but are generally smaller than those of coyotes.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Do coyotes howl for a specific reason?
Coyotes howl to communicate with pack members and to mark territory.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Is the coyote a symbol in Native American cultures?
Yes, the coyote is a symbol of craftiness in many Native American mythologies.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Do foxes hibernate?
No, foxes do not hibernate but may be less active in winter.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Are coyotes nocturnal?
Coyotes are primarily nocturnal but can be active at any time.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Can coyotes adapt to different environments?
Yes, coyotes are highly adaptable and can thrive in various environments.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
How do coyotes hunt?
Coyotes often hunt in packs and can take down larger prey.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Share this page
Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
Hifza Nasir
Dua Fatima
