Identifying a young coyote, known as a pup or juvenile, can be challenging, despite coyotes being common across North America. These young animals undergo rapid transformations, sometimes resembling a domestic dog or a fox at a glance. Coyotes, members of the Canis genus, raise their young in dens. Understanding the specific physical markers of these early developmental stages is necessary to distinguish them from adults or other wild canids.
Defining the Coyote Pup
The term “pup” refers to the earliest stage of life, from birth up to approximately eight weeks of age, while they are primarily den-bound. Newborn coyote pups are small, weighing only 0.5 to 1.1 pounds, and are born blind and deaf with a short, wooly coat. Their eyes typically open around 10 to 12 days after birth, initially showing a blue or grey color that darkens later.
Their fur is generally very dark, often deep brown or nearly black, providing camouflage within the den environment. This dark, soft coat contrasts sharply with the adult coyote’s grizzled, lighter coloration. Pups have notably rounded heads and short muzzles, lacking the elongated, pointed structure of their parents. Weaning occurs between five and nine weeks, when pups begin to leave the den and venture to nearby rendezvous sites.
Appearance of Juvenile Coyotes
The juvenile phase spans from about two months to nine months, marking a period of awkward, rapid growth toward adulthood. This is the stage when they are most likely to be seen by the public, as they spend more time exploring outside the den area. Juveniles often develop a noticeably “leggy” or gangly appearance because their limbs grow quickly, sometimes outstripping the growth of their torso.
The initial dark pup coat is replaced by the adult coloration during the summer and fall months. This new coat is a mix of gray, tan, and reddish-brown, grizzled with black guard hairs, though darker patches may remain on the back and tail. The facial structure begins to sharpen as the muzzle lengthens, moving away from the rounded pup shape. Their ears also become more prominent and pointed, often appearing disproportionately large for their slender heads.
By six months of age, juveniles are approximately two-thirds the size of a fully grown adult and are actively learning to hunt small prey. Although they are near adult size, their overall body structure remains leaner and less muscular than a mature coyote. They reach their full adult weight around nine months, and some may begin to disperse from their family unit around this time.
Distinguishing Young Coyotes from Other Animals
Differentiating a young coyote from an adult requires attention to specific physical and proportional details. Compared to an adult, a juvenile will have a noticeably thinner, more lanky build and less grizzled, more uniform coat color, even if they are close to the same height. The adult is generally heavier and more muscular, with a thick, bushy tail that typically hangs downward.
Young coyotes are often confused with foxes, but size is a major indicator; a coyote pup is usually larger than a fox kit. Coyotes also have a specific tail marking: a gland spot on the upper side, often appearing as a dark or black tip. In contrast, a gray fox has a distinct black stripe running the length of its tail. The ears of a coyote, even a juvenile, are generally larger and closer-set than the smaller, more refined ears of a fox.
When mistaken for a domestic dog, the young coyote’s overall build provides the clearest distinction. Young coyotes have a narrow chest and a lean, almost delicate appearance, often with a slightly sloping back. Most domestic puppies of a similar size tend to have a broader chest, a more compact body, and often larger, heavier paws than the light-footed coyote.