Differences Between Wolves and Coyotes

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BEFORE YOU SHOOT...KNOW THE DIFFERENCE

	Red Wolf — one of the world’s most endangered canids, native to the southeastern United States. Once nearly extinct, red wolves are now protected and monitored in North Carolina through conservation efforts led by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and partner organizations. Photo credit: Andrea Shipley, NCWRC.	Coyote — a highly adaptable species found throughout North Carolina. Coyotes have grayish-tan fur, pointed ears, and a bushy tail, often mistaken for red wolves. Understanding the differences between coyotes and red wolves helps support wildlife conservation and species protection efforts statewide. Photo credit: Chuck Schug Photography.
	Red Wolf	Coyote
Color	Due to the high variation in coloration and body size overlap between the species, it can be very difficult to distinguish between coyotes and red wolves in the field. We have provided typically representative examples for both species, but there exists substantial variation between both coyotes and red wolves.
Size	4 to 5 feet long nose to tail (taller, larger, and heavier than a coyote)	No more than 3 feet long (slimmer than a red wolf)
Weight	~40 to 80 pounds	20 to 30 pounds on Albemarle Peninsula
Features	Red Wolf (Canis rufus) — an endangered species native to North Carolina. Recognized by its reddish-gray fur and distinct facial markings, the red wolf is protected under federal law and plays a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Photo courtesy of USFWS. • Wide head • Broad muzzle • Long legs with large feet • Ears that are proportionally smaller than head	Coyote (Canis latrans) — a common and adaptable predator found across North Carolina. Coyotes are smaller than red wolves, with narrower faces and pointed snouts, and play an important ecological role in balancing small mammal populations. Photo courtesy of OLDFULICA. • Narrow head • Long and pointed muzzle • Long legs; but slim, smaller feet • Ears that are proportionally larger than head
Additional Info	• Federally protected under the Endangered Species Act • State listed as a Threatened Species • The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working towards collaring all known red wolves with bright orange collars to help the public distinguish them. Keep in mind that currently less than half of the red wolves have orange collars. • If a red wolf is shot, you must report within 24 hours to: – 855-496-5837 (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) – 800-662-7137 (NCWRC)	• See Small Game & Other Seasons page for coyote hunting regulations • The NCWRC is collecting data on coyotes taken in Beaufort, Dare, Hyde, Tyrrell or Washington counties: – Participate by pulling a tuft of hair from the harvested coyote – For details on participation and permit requirements, visit the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s coyote permit page. • If you harvest a collared and/or ear tagged canid, please contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at 252-475-8353 or 252-475-8259.