The coyote, Canis latrans, is a highly adaptable predator found across North America, from remote wilderness to urban environments. Its success as an opportunistic hunter is linked to the efficiency of its jaws. Bite force is scientifically defined as the pressure exerted by the jaws, typically measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). For the coyote, this force is finely tuned for its diverse diet.
The Specific Measured Bite Force
Quantifying the exact pressure a wild animal exerts is challenging, so the coyote’s bite force is often cited within a range or estimated using skull geometry models. The absolute force exerted by a coyote is generally estimated to be between 88 and 153 PSI, placing it toward the lower end of medium-sized carnivores. This PSI measurement represents the raw crushing power of the jaws, but it does not account for the coyote’s relatively small body size, which averages 20 to 50 pounds.
A more scientific and comparative measure is the Bite Force Quotient (BFQ), which adjusts the bite force relative to an animal’s body mass. The coyote’s BFQ is consistently reported to be in the range of 80 to 97, which is considered low for a dedicated predator. This lower BFQ indicates the coyote does not possess a disproportionately powerful bite for its size, unlike specialized hypercarnivores. Despite the modest raw numbers, the coyote’s bite is sufficient for its primary targets, including small mammals, birds, and scavenged food.
The Anatomy Behind the Power
The coyote’s ability to generate its bite force originates from a specialized cranial structure common to the Canidae family. The power comes primarily from the temporalis muscles, which run from the skull to the lower jaw. These muscles attach to the sagittal crest, a bony ridge atop the skull that acts as an anchor point, creating a mechanical advantage for jaw closure. The coyote’s skull features a narrower, longer snout compared to its larger wolf relatives, which affects the leverage of the bite.
This elongated shape contributes to a quicker, more precise snapping action rather than a heavy, sustained crushing force. The dentition is specialized, featuring prominent, sharp canine teeth for puncturing and gripping prey. Behind the canines are the carnassial teeth, adapted premolars and molars designed to work like scissors. The upper and lower carnassials slide past one another to slice and shear flesh, hide, and small bones, allowing the coyote to efficiently dismantle its meals.
Contextualizing the Coyote’s Strength
Putting the coyote’s 88 to 153 PSI into perspective highlights its position in the carnivorous hierarchy. A human bite force is often estimated to be around 160 PSI, comparable to or slightly stronger than the coyote’s absolute force. However, the human bite lacks the specialized gripping canines and shearing carnassials that make the coyote’s bite effective.
When compared to its close relatives, the difference is noticeable, reflecting distinct hunting strategies. The gray wolf, a larger animal, can exert a bite force of approximately 400 to 510 PSI. This massive difference in raw force is necessary for the wolf’s strategy of taking down large ungulates and crushing heavy bones.
Even some domestic dog breeds possess a stronger bite than the coyote; a German Shepherd’s bite force can range from 230 to 291 PSI, while a Rottweiler’s can exceed 400 PSI. The coyote’s strength is perfectly suited for its ecological niche as a solitary or pack-hunting generalist that relies on speed and opportunistic feeding. Its lower BFQ and absolute force reflect a reliance on smaller prey and scavenging, minimizing the need for heavy, bone-crushing power.