If you’ve ever wondered whether a fox or a coyote poses a greater threat, you’re not alone. Many people find themselves debating which of these wild canines they’d least like to encounter on a hike through the woods or in their own backyard.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: coyotes are generally considered more dangerous than foxes.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll look at the key differences between foxes and coyotes when it comes to their size, temperament, hunting habits, interactions with humans, potential for carrying diseases, and more.
By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of why coyotes tend to be more hazardous than foxes.
Size Comparison Between Foxes and Coyotes
Average Weight and Height
Coyotes (Canis latrans) are typically larger and heavier than fox species like the red fox (Vulpes vulpes). According to WildlifeAnimalControl, coyotes reach an average weight of 20 to 50 pounds, with some exceptionally large individuals weighing up to 70 pounds.
In contrast, red foxes usually weigh between 8 to 15 pounds. Coyotes also surpass foxes in height, standing about 32 to 37 inches at the shoulder on average. Foxes are quite small in comparison, averaging a shoulder height of just 12 to 15 inches.
So in most cases, coyotes have the advantage in bulk and weight over foxes. Their larger size allows them to take down bigger prey as well, while foxes rely more on smaller rodents and birds. But despite being smaller in stature, foxes have proven themselves as tenacious predators highly adapted to their environments.
Physical Attributes
While similar in appearance, coyotes and foxes show some key physical differences due to their variance in size. Coyotes have thicker fur and overall more muscular builds compared to foxes in general. Their muzzles also tend to be broader and blockier as opposed to the sharper facial features of most fox species.
Ears are also noticeably different—coyotes display tall, pointed ears that sit upright while foxes have wide, triangle-shaped ears that stand obliquely to the face.
Leg lengths are also indicative of size differences. Coyotes stand on longer, sturdier legs with larger paws. Foxes exhibit comparatively dainty leg proportions suited to their smaller frames. These physical attributes significantly influence movement and hunting styles as well—coyotes chase down prey over long distances with their lengthy strides whereas foxes rely more on stealth and pouncing attacks to catch a quick meal.
Temperament Differences
Fox Behavior
Foxes tend to be solitary animals that hunt alone, except during mating season when they form pairs (Humane Society). They are opportunistic feeders and survive on a variety of foods like small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fruit, berries, and insects (National Wildlife Federation).
Foxes are incredibly intelligent and curious animals that adapt well to a variety of habitats, from forests and grasslands to suburban areas.
Foxes tend to avoid confrontations with larger predators when possible. They rely on their speed and agility to escape danger, being able to run up to 45 mph for short bursts (NWF). Foxes also use their heightened sense of hearing to detect threats.
They will typically flee from aggressive coyotes, wolves, bears, mountain lions, and other predators, but may attempt to defend themselves if cornered.
Coyote Behavior
In contrast to foxes, coyotes tend to live and hunt in small family groups called packs. A pack is typically made up of an alpha breeding pair and their young from previous seasons, though some packs contain multiple breeding females (Humane Society).
Coyotes work together to hunt prey like rabbits, rodents, deer, sheep, cattle, poultry, and even insects and fruit.
Due to their larger size and social structure, coyotes can be more brazen than foxes when confronting threats. While they prefer to retreat from larger predators like wolves and bears, they may band together to chase these competitors out of their territory.
Solitary coyotes have also been known to lure domestic dogs into confrontations with packs, resulting in the death of the dog (HS). So in circumstances involving humans, pets, or livestock, coyotes should always be considered more dangerous than foxes.
Diet and Hunting Habits
Foxes Are Omnivores and Opportunistic Hunters
Foxes have an extremely varied diet as omnivores. They will eat anything from berries, fruits, and nuts to small mammals, birds, fish, frogs, and even worms or insects. Foxes are opportunistic hunters and will hunt for food at any time of day or night.
They use their excellent sense of hearing to locate prey moving underground or under the snow. Foxes are quick and agile hunters, relying on a surprise pounce attack to catch small rodents like mice, voles, or rabbits. They also scavenge for food and aren’t above raiding trash cans in urban areas.
Foxes store excess food to come back for later, especially during seasons when prey is scarce.
According to research from the University of Maine[1], fox diet varies seasonally depending on the availability of prey. Foxes tend to consume more mammals like voles and snowshoe hares in the winter and spring. In the summer and fall, they rely more heavily on fruit when it becomes available.
They are extremely adaptable and take advantage of any readily available food source.
Coyotes Are Effective Pack Hunters
Coyotes are primarily carnivorous and over 90% of their diet consists of meat. They prefer small mammals like rabbits, rodents, and even reptiles or amphibians. Unlike foxes, coyotes frequently hunt in small packs which makes them extremely effective hunters, even capable of taking down adult deer.
According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife[2], an adult coyote’s diet consists of about 60% meat from mammals, 25% plant material, and 15% insects. They will also eat carrion and even target pets or livestock in urban areas.
Coyotes do most of their hunting shortly after dusk, dusk, and dawn. They have excellent eyesight and sense of smell to track down prey. They can reach speeds of up to 43 mph while chasing prey. Coyotes hunt in packs or pairs and use coordinated chasing techniques to wear down larger animals.
Lone coyotes will stalk small animals and use a quick pounce attack. Coyotes keep territories and will hunt in the same area regularly, following favorite game trails or paths. Their adaptable diets allow them to thrive in a variety of habitats.
Interactions with Humans
Foxes Tend to Avoid Humans
Foxes are generally wary of humans and avoid close contact. They tend to be most active at dawn and dusk, which means they often avoid interacting with humans who are active during the day. Foxes have adapted to live in close proximity to human settlements, but still try to keep their distance.
According to wildlife experts, foxes will typically flee when approached by a human. They tend to view humans as potential threats. Foxes that live near human neighborhoods or backyards have learned that humans may leave food scraps behind or have unsecured garbage cans.
This can attract foxes to become more visible as they scavenge for an easy meal, but they still try to avoid direct interaction.
Statistics from animal control agencies show very few reports of foxes acting aggressively toward humans. In fact, foxes are responsible for only a tiny fraction of reported wildlife attacks on people each year.
Rabies is a concern with any wild mammal, but foxes do not typically carry or transmit the disease at high rates.
Coyotes Can Become Habituated to Humans
Unlike foxes, coyotes can potentially lose their natural wariness of people and begin associating humans with sources of food. This process is called habituation. Habituated coyotes may approach parks, yards, or porches in search of unattended pets or easy meals.
Coyotes that have become accustomed to living near human populations over multiple generations are more likely to become habituated than coyotes newly exposed to developed areas. Parks and greenbelts surrounded by housing allow coyotes frequent opportunities to find food scraps left behind, unsecured trash cans, Small pets if left unattended outside, such as cats, small dogs, or rabbits, can also become targets for hungry coyotes.
According to wildlife biologists, habituated coyote behavior needs to be discouraged to keep both coyotes and humans safe. Making food sources unavailable, scaring coyotes away from yards or play spaces, and in some cases lethal removal may become necessary.
Without intervention, habituated coyotes can become bold and aggressive over time, posing risks to people.
Disease Risks
Diseases Carried by Foxes
Foxes can carry a number of dangerous diseases that can infect humans and pets. Some of the most concerning diseases spread by foxes include:
- Rabies – Rabies is a fatal viral disease that causes inflammation of the brain. It is spread through the saliva of infected animals. Rabies is the most serious disease carried by foxes and accounts for the majority of reported fox bites on humans.
According to the CDC, over 90% of rabies cases in the USA come from wildlife, including foxes.
- Sarcoptic mange – Also called scabies, this is a highly contagious skin disease caused by mites. Humans can catch sarcoptic mange from infected foxes, which results in a severe rash and intense itching.
- Echinococcosis – Caused by a type of tapeworm, echinococcosis causes cysts to form in the liver, lungs, and other organs. Humans can become infected through contact with fox feces.
- Leptospirosis – Leptospira bacteria can be spread through the urine of infected animals. Leptospirosis can lead to flu-like symptoms in humans and potentially serious complications.
- Tularemia – Also called rabbit fever, this bacterial disease can spread to humans through tick and deer fly bites or contact with infected animals. Tularemia causes ulcers and swollen glands.
To avoid getting sick, it’s important to minimize contact with wild foxes and avoid areas where they frequent. Protective clothing, gloves, and proper hygiene can also lower risk of transmission. Regularly vaccinating pets helps prevent the spread of contagious diseases as well.
Diseases Carried by Coyotes
Like foxes, coyotes can also carry and transmit various diseases to humans and domesticated animals:
- Rabies – As with foxes, coyotes are one of the primary wild animals to spread rabies to humans via bites and saliva.
- Parvo – Canine parvovirus is highly contagious and life-threatening, especially in unvaccinated puppies and dogs. Coyotes can spread parvo through feces and contact.
- Distemper – Canine distemper virus attacks the respiratory, nervous, and digestive systems of dogs. It spreads through airborne exposure and is often fatal.
- Mange – Both sarcoptic and demodectic mange mites can be found on coyotes and passed to domestic dogs.
- Echinococcosis – Coyotes can spread this dangerous tapeworm to humans through their infected feces.
The risk of transmission increases when coyotes venture into developed areas and interact with pets. Preventative measures like keeping pets up-to-date on vaccines, maintaining fenced yards, and avoiding contact with wildlife can reduce the chance of diseases spreading.
While foxes and coyotes carry some of the same diseases, coyotes tend to roam over larger territories. This increases the likelihood of them spreading infections across greater distances. However, foxes often have higher population densities in suburban and urban areas.
Overall, both species can transmit serious diseases, so caution should be taken around wild canids.
Conclusion
In the debate between foxes vs. coyotes on the danger scale, coyotes emerge as the more hazardous animal. Their larger size, more aggressive temperament as pack hunters, lack of fear towards humans, and potential for carrying dangerous diseases give them an edge when it comes to risk factors.
Of course, any wild animal deserves caution and respect, but knowledge of coyotes’ greater potential threat can help you take appropriate precautions in areas where they roam.
So next time you’re wondering whether you should be more concerned about encountering a fox or a coyote, you can rest assured that the coyote rightly deserves more wariness. Understanding the key differences between these wild canids allows you to coexist safely!
