What is the Difference Between a Coyote and a Wolf?

Coyotes and wolves are two different species. A coyote is a member of Canis latrans, while a wolf is a member of Canis lupus. Wolves are much larger animals than coyotes. Wolves grow to approximately 5 feet in length (not counting a tail length of 11–20 inches) and nearly 3 feet in height at the shoulder, while coyotes grow to nearly 3 feet in length (not counting a tail length of 12–16 inches) and approximately 2 feet in height at the shoulder. Wolves can weigh anywhere from 55 to 85 pounds, while coyotes weigh anywhere from 15 to 46 pounds. The largest recorded wolf weighed 190 pounds, while the largest recorded coyote weighed nearly 75 pounds. Wolves also run slightly slower than coyotes: they reach 34 to 38 miles per hour, opposed to coyotes, which reach 43 miles per hour.

Coyotes typically hunt in pairs, although they have been observed in packs. Coyote packs are usually smaller than wolf packs and the pack hierarchy is less stable. In areas where wolves have been exterminated, coyotes usually fill the void. They coexist with humans much better than wolves do.

Coyotes make a variety of sounds, including: barking, howling, huffing, whimpering, whining, yelping, and yipping. Their calls may be a long, rising and falling note, or short notes. Coyotes are often heard at dusk or night. They are most commonly made during mating season (spring) and when the young coyotes leave to establish their own territory (fall). When a coyote calls its pack, he howls a single high note. When the pack is together, it howls higher, and the rest of the pack yips and yelps.

About the Author
Jacob Maddox manages content for Wildlife Animals http://www.wildlife-animals.com an educational wildlife and animal website. Jacob also guest writes for Dog Pound http://www.dog-pound.net