Gray Fox vs. Coyote: Comparing Canids of the Wild

Gray foxes (also called grey foxes with an "e") have grayish-white fur, a black stripe down their tail, black tips, and four triangular shaped toes. Their bushy tails help with balance in trees.

Coyotes resemble domestic dogs but with longer legs, bigger heads, and leaner frames. Male coyotes tend to be larger than female coyotes, while female gray foxes are slightly smaller than males.

Both species have foot pads suited for stealth and agility, though coyotes cover more ground thanks to their longer stride.

Gray foxes are solitary animals that hunt small animals at night. They're one of the few canids that can climb trees, which offers a unique escape route from predators.

Coyotes, on the other hand, are more adaptable socially. While they often operate alone, they form pairs or small packs during the mating season and when raising young.

Coyotes are also known for vocalizing to coordinate with other coyotes. Their social flexibility gives them an edge in unpredictable environments. Foxes remain more elusive and quiet, using stealth over cooperation.

Coyotes live in diverse environments, from deserts and plains to forests and urban areas. They're found throughout North America, including the Pacific states, central America, and even expanding into other regions. Gray foxes prefer densely wooded areas and mountainous regions.

Their range spans from southern Canada to northern South America, with strong populations in southern Florida.

Both species adapt well to seasonal changes, but the gray fox’s preference for secluded, wooded terrain keeps it out of more open landscapes where coyotes thrive.

Coyotes are opportunistic feeders with a wide diet. They hunt ground squirrels, eat insects, and scavenge human trash and farm animals. In tough conditions, they may even hunt large animals or challenge other predators for food.

Gray foxes, while still voracious hunters, focus on smaller prey like rodents and fruit. Their ability to climb gives them access to food sources in trees, unlike coyotes.

Both species sometimes compete for the same food, especially small mammals, and this overlap can lead to conflict.

Coyote populations benefit from strong parental roles. Both the male and female guard the den site and care for the pups. Coyote pups are born deaf, rely on both parents, and often stay in the family unit until the next breeding season.

In contrast, gray foxes form monogamous pairs, and both parents raise their young. Young foxes are fully weaned by eight to 10 weeks. The den sites they select are usually in dense brush or hollow logs, offering better protection from predators and harsh weather.

Red foxes share habitats with both gray foxes and coyotes in many regions.

While similar in size to gray foxes, red foxes can't climb trees and are more likely to be displaced by coyotes in overlapping territories. Fox populations, especially red and kit foxes, often decline where coyote populations are dense.

Unlike gray foxes, red foxes have a white tip on their tail, whereas gray foxes have black tips. These subtle distinctions help biologists track distribution and behavior patterns in the wild.

Coyotes thrive due to their large territorial ranges and ability to adapt to environmental extremes. Their long legs, endurance, and clever hunting tactics allow them to survive nearly everywhere, from deserts to downtown neighborhoods.

Gray foxes rely more on agility and seclusion. They are especially well-suited for mountainous areas and dense forests. Their ability to climb trees is more than a party trick; it’s a survival tool that helps them avoid larger predators and find food in places others can’t reach.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.