By Misi Stine, Environmental Educator and member of the MN Herpetological Society
This month, we will focus on the two largest canid species found in Minnesota: wolves (Canis lupus) and coyotes (Canis latrans). These canids belong to the same genus and can easily be confused, as they share many overlapping traits. Even experts sometimes find it challenging to positively identify them.
To simplify, here are some key identification markers most often used:
Chris Muiden, CC BY-SA 3.0 <http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/>, via Wikimedia Commons
In my experience, coat color is less helpful for identification. Although many guides state that wolves are light gray to black and coyotes are light gray to brown, I have observed that coat colors can vary widely across both species.
Several factors can affect how well you apply these keys when identifying an animal, including the clarity of the picture, the distance between you and the animal, whether you have references to gauge size, and whether the animal is close enough for you to see its ears, snout, and feet clearly.
Many of us are familiar with the size of our domestic dogs, but comparing the size and weight of a wild canid to its domestic counterpart often leads to inaccurate estimates. Wild canids are built differently; if you place a 100 lb wolf next to a 100 lb dog, the wolf will appear significantly larger. As noted in the chart above, there is a notable size difference between adult wolves and coyotes.
For reference, here is a video showing both species at a kill site, and another video from the Voyageurs Wolf Project. During the summer months (approximately May to October), when wolf pups are on the landscape and still growing, size can be less reliable for identification.
Both wolves and coyotes can adapt to a variety of habitats. One potentially helpful, though not definitive, clue is the location of the sighting. Coyotes are common across the state, while most wolves are found in the forested areas of northeastern Minnesota. Once you reach agricultural or urban areas, especially in the southern part of the state, your chances of seeing a wolf greatly decrease. Although wolves can survive in many areas, they tend to avoid human-dominated landscapes, unlike coyotes, which can adapt to being unseen. Click here for the Minnesota DNR Wolf Range map for Minnesota
If you're lucky enough to hear these animals vocalize, there are distinct differences. Wolf howls tend to be lower and more consistent in pitch, while coyote vocalizations are higher-pitched and often "yippy." You can listen to recorded howls to compare.
Tracie Hall from Orange County, us, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
In conclusion, distinguishing between wolves and coyotes can be challenging. Try to gather as many clues as possible. If you find tracks or scat, place a ruler or a familiar object (like sunglasses) next to them and take as many photos as possible, being careful not to get too close to the wild animal. I recommend seeking expert assistance from resources such as the International Wolf Center or the Wildlife Science Center rather than posting on general nature forums.
Enjoy the experience, and remember that sometimes your best guess is all you can rely on. Here's a fun quiz to help you practice your identification skills.