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Do Foxes Eat Coyotes? (Truth About Fox-Coyote Predation)

By James Smith · · Updated

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As a wildlife enthusiast, you might be wondering if foxes, the small, sly canids, have the potential to prey on their larger cousins, the coyotes. While these two animals share many commonalities in terms of their appearance and habits, they also exhibit some notable differences, particularly in their diets and predatory behavior.

In this article, we’ll explore the relationship between foxes and coyotes and answer the question on many people’s minds: do foxes eat coyotes?

The Fox And Coyote: A Brief Overview

Foxes and coyotes belong to the same family, Canidae, but they are different species with distinct characteristics. Foxes are typically smaller than coyotes and have thinner legs and shorter snouts.

They are also known for their distinctive reddish-brown fur and bushy tails, which they use for balance and warmth. Coyotes, on the other hand, are larger and have a more elongated snout. They are generally gray or brown with a lighter-colored belly and a bushy tail.

Foxes and coyotes have similar habitats and can be found in various regions of North America, including grasslands, forests, and deserts. They are both opportunistic predators and scavengers, which means they will eat a wide range of prey, including rodents, rabbits, birds, insects, and carrion.

Diet Of Foxes And Coyotes

Foxes and coyotes have different dietary preferences, which can impact their interactions with each other. Foxes are known for their ability to catch small, elusive prey, such as mice and voles, using their acute hearing and sense of smell.

They also consume fruits, berries, and insects when prey is scarce. Coyotes, on the other hand, can take a wider range of prey, including deer (especially fawns), as well as livestock and poultry. They also eat a lot of carrion.

Differences In Size And Behavior

Coyotes are larger than any North American fox, at about 15 to 46 pounds. Red foxes usually weigh 8 to 15 pounds.

Coyotes are also more aggressive than foxes, and they are known to attack domestic livestock and pets. Foxes, on the other hand, are typically more timid and tend to avoid humans and larger animals.

Predation Behavior Of Foxes And Coyotes

Both foxes and coyotes are opportunistic predators, meaning they will hunt and scavenge for food whenever the opportunity arises. Foxes typically hunt alone, using stealth and speed to catch their prey.

They may also scavenge carrion, especially during the winter months when prey is scarce. Coyotes mostly hunt small prey alone or in pairs. Family groups sometimes team up, taking turns chasing larger prey like deer until it tires.

Factors That Affect Fox-Coyote Interactions

Several factors can impact the relationship between foxes and coyotes, including competition for resources, territoriality, and mating behavior. Foxes and coyotes may compete for prey, especially during the winter months when food is scarce. They may also compete for den sites and territory, with coyotes typically being more aggressive than foxes.

Do Foxes Eat Coyotes? The Short Answer

Coyote portrait

Photo by Christopher Bruno, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

While foxes are known to prey on small mammals, birds, and insects, there is no evidence to suggest that they regularly eat coyotes. Coyotes are much larger than foxes and have powerful jaws and sharp teeth that can inflict serious harm to any potential predator, including foxes. Moreover, coyotes are often aggressive and territorial towards other canids, which can deter foxes from approaching them.

Instances Of Fox-Coyote Predation

There are no well-documented cases of foxes hunting coyotes, adults or pups. Coyote parents guard their dens, and an adult coyote can easily kill a fox, so a fox has little to gain from the risk.

Can Coyotes Eat Foxes?

While coyotes are not a regular prey item for foxes, the opposite may be true. Coyotes are known to kill foxes, and New York’s wildlife agency lists the coyote as a potential predator with a significant impact on red fox populations.

Many of these killings look more like removing a competitor than hunting for food.

Implications Of Fox-Coyote Predation

The relationship between foxes and coyotes can have implications for ecosystem dynamics and the balance of predator-prey interactions. While both species are important members of their respective ecosystems, the presence of one can impact the behavior and population dynamics of the other. For example, the presence of coyotes can suppress the population density of foxes in certain areas, which can have cascading effects on the rest of the ecosystem.

The Role Of Humans In Fox-Coyote Interactions

Human activities, such as urbanization and habitat destruction, can impact the interactions between foxes and coyotes. As humans encroach upon natural habitats, they can create fragmented landscapes that favor certain species over others. For example, expanding coyote populations have pushed red foxes into residential areas. In cities, researchers found that foxes and coyotes can coexist, with foxes choosing developed spaces and coyotes sticking to woodlands.

Importance Of Foxes And Coyotes In Ecosystems

Foxes and coyotes play important roles in ecosystems, as they help to control populations of smaller mammals and birds. They also help to control populations of herbivores, such as rabbits, and coyotes take deer fawns, which can have an impact on the vegetation in an ecosystem. In addition, they are important prey for larger predators, such as wolves and mountain lions.

How To Keep Foxes And Coyotes Away From Your Property

If you live in an area where foxes and coyotes are present, there are several measures you can take to reduce the likelihood of conflicts. These include securing garbage cans and compost bins, removing pet food from outside, and clearing brush and debris from around your property. Fencing can also be an effective deterrent, especially if it is buried at least 12 inches underground to prevent animals from digging underneath.

Conclusion

There is no evidence that foxes hunt or eat coyotes, apart from possibly scavenging a carcass. Coyotes, on the other hand, are known to kill foxes, mostly to drive off a competitor.

The relationship between these two canids can have implications for ecosystem dynamics and the balance of predator-prey interactions. As humans continue to encroach upon natural habitats, it is important to take measures to reduce the likelihood of conflicts between foxes, coyotes, and humans.

FAQs

Do coyotes pose a threat to humans?

While coyotes are generally wary of humans and will avoid them whenever possible, they can pose a threat to small pets and livestock. In rare cases, they may also attack humans, especially if they feel threatened or cornered.

Yes, foxes and coyotes belong to the same family, Canidae, which also includes wolves and domestic dogs.

Can foxes and coyotes interbreed?

No. Foxes and coyotes belong to different genera, and there are no confirmed fox-coyote hybrids. Coyotes do hybridize with domestic dogs and occasionally with gray wolves.

What should I do if I encounter a coyote or fox?

If you encounter a coyote or fox, it is important to remain calm and avoid approaching the animal. Make noise, wave your arms, and throw objects to scare it away. Do not turn your back or run, as this can trigger the animal’s predatory instincts.

How can I tell the difference between a fox and a coyote?

Foxes and coyotes can look similar at first glance, but there are some key differences to look for. Coyotes are generally larger than foxes, with longer legs. Coyotes have a black-tipped tail they carry low when running, while red foxes have a very bushy tail with a white tip. Additionally, coyotes often travel in pairs or small groups, while foxes are usually solitary.

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