Is that a coyote or dog in your yard? Here’s how to tell & how to stay safe in Mississippi
Winter may have fewer insects bugging you outside, but the season brings its own set of pests and predators out to roam.
One of those predators is the aloof coyote, which has its mating season at the peak of winter and into early spring (January - March) in Mississippi.
And while they may look a lot like your average dog, perhaps even cuter, they bite back and are quite aggressive during dusk and dawn, which are their most active times.
So, how can you really tell if the fluffy creature is a coyote and not just a stray or lost pup? Here’s what to know.
How to distinguish between coyotes and dogs
Although they may be hard to distinguish from a regular dog, there are several characteristics unique to coyotes. Here’s what experts say:
Why do they look so much like dogs?
According to “Field and Stream” writer Matthew Every, “Dogs and coyotes are part of the same genus, Canis, but because a coyote has never been domesticated, they have different physical attributes, a different diet, different habits, and a more wiley disposition than dogs.”
You may be able to think of a few dog breeds that look similar to coyotes right off the bat. For example, Siberian Huskys, Tamaskans, or even the Saarloos wolf dog. But how can you be sure they aren’t a fierce coyote?
Here are some key differences to look for:
Weight
While dogs can weigh anywhere from 5 to 150 pounds, coyotes typically weigh between 20 and 50 pounds.
Coat and coloring
“Coyotes only come in a few flavors. Their coats are usually brown and tan mixed with gray and black. There are also all-black coyotes and strawberry-blonde coyotes,” said Every. Their coats are also thick with an undercoat for winter, but dogs have a variety of coats, colors and patterns, all with different textures and thickness.
Claws and size of prints
If you can’t get a good glimpse of the animal, but you later see tracks, here’s what to look for:
“The paw prints of coyotes are oval-shaped, and their toes are all aligned and pointing forward,” said biologist and science writer, Genevieve Dugal.
Dog prints are wider and extended, while coyote prints are around 2.5 to 3.5 inches long. Claws are another indicator because dog claws are more rounded, while coyote claws are sharp and thin.
Ears and tail
Last but not least, the ears and tails of coyotes are noticeably different from the ears and tails of a normal canine.
“Coyotes’ ears are pointed and erect, similar to those of a German Shepherd but thinner,” said Dugal.
And their tails are long and busier than most dogs.
Dugal said to look at the tip of the animal’s tail because the “tip of their tail is almost always black” if it’s a coyote.
Dugal also mentioned the way the tail sits as a coyote walks. The tail usually stays down when they walk or run, but dogs will usually have a tail that is up when they are active.
Tips to stay safe from coyotes
According to the Mississippi State University Extension, “The presence of coyotes in an area does not necessarily mean there’s a problem. If you notice the coyotes acting normally -- making efforts to avoid people, coming out only at night and not attacking small pets -- then leave them alone. Do not create a conflict where none exists.”
Here’s what to do if you see one around:
Secure food attractants such as garbage, pet food and bird seed.
Feed pets indoors when possible. If pets must be fed outside, remove food bowls when finished.
Remove excess bird seed on the ground that may be attracting mice to your yard, which in turn attracts coyotes.
Haze, or scare, coyotes out of your yard. Coyotes are naturally wary of people. Consistent hazing helps keep this fear of people intact. For example, bang pots and pans, yell or use an air horn.
If you encounter a coyote and feel threatened, do not run away. The coyote will interpret that as prey behavior and may act accordingly. Instead, shout, wave your hands and throw something in its direction to scare it away.
Do you have more questions about coyotes? Let me know in the comments or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com.
This story was originally published January 22, 2025 at 11:31 AM.
