What's the difference between a wolf and a coyote?

Large Mammals

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Why do foxes' ears point forward?

by Kate Simmons >> more about the author

Both the wolf and the coyote are members of the canine family, but there are definite differences between these two creatures! Wolves are larger and heavier; some can even weigh 100 pounds or more! Coyotes are skinnier and often don’t weigh more than 45 pounds. Coyotes leave smaller footprints.

Coyotes typically have thinner, more angular features than wolves. With triangular heads and pointed ears, coyotes have a slim appearance, while wolves have a heftier presence, as well as heads and ears that are rounder in shape.

While coyotes eat animals like mice, fish and hares, wolves often hunt in packs and eat larger animals, such as goats, sheep, and even moose! However, a coyote will sometimes attack a larger animal, such as a deer, especially if the prey is sick or the coyote is hunting with one or more friends!

With the help of the internet and some play-dough, create your own wolf and coyote footprints! Begin by searching online with a grown-up for an image of these canine paws. Note that both creatures have five toes on their front paws and four toes on their back paws. It may be easier to start by creating a back paw print.

Now take a chunk of clay or play-dough and roll it into a ball. Press the ball against the table so it is flat like a thick cookie! Next, use your fingertips and/or a popsicle stick to make the indention of the main (middle) paw pad. When you’re ready, make the toe pads—a fingertip is perfect for this job!

Finish by using the tip of a pencil to create the claw prints, one above each toe. If you choose to make both wolf and coyote prints and want them to be realistic, remember that wolf prints are bigger than those of coyotes, often twice as large! Try making the wolf print 4 ½ inches tall from the bottom of the main pad to the tips of the claws and the coyote print 2 ½ inches tall.