Spotted a wild, dog-like creature during your last camping trip? Was it a hyena or a coyote?
These two animals fool people all the time because they look so similar at first glance. But here’s the surprise: they’re actually from completely different animal families and live on opposite sides of the planet.
So what sets them apart? From their hunting styles to their distinctive laughs and howls, hyenas and coyotes have some pretty cool differences.
Let’s explore what makes each of these wild animals unique and help you become a pro at telling them apart!
Differentiating Attributes of Coyotes vs Hyenas
Let’s examine what distinguishes coyotes and hyenas. Although these two animals may seem similar at first glance, they have very distinct features.
1. Where They Live and Roam
Hyenas roam across Africa and parts of Asia, with different species choosing different homes. Spotted hyenas love open savannas, while brown hyenas prefer rocky desert areas. Some even live in mountain regions up to 13,000 feet high.
Coyotes have conquered nearly every corner of North America, from scorching Mexican deserts to freezing Canadian forests. They’ve successfully moved into farmlands, prairies, and busy city neighborhoods. Unlike hyenas, who prefer warmer climates, coyotes handle snow and freezing temperatures with ease.
The bottom line? Hyenas stick to Africa and Asia’s warmer regions, while coyotes have made all of North America their playground.
2. Size and Body Shape
When you see these animals side by side, the size difference becomes obvious.
Hyenas are much bulkier and stronger, built like nature’s heavy-duty scavengers. Coyotes, on the other hand, are lean speed machines designed for quick hunts and fast escapes.
| ASPECT | HYENA | COYOTE |
|---|---|---|
|
Weight |
90-190 pounds | 20-50 pounds |
| Body Shape | Front legs longer than back legs (slouched appearance) | Balanced, wolf-like body shape |
| Strength | Broad shoulders and neck for added strength | Sleek, agile build with strong limbs |
| Fur | Short, coarse fur with spots or stripes, depending on species | Short, dense fur, usually grayish-brown with some variations |
| Tail | Short, stiff tail that doesn’t hang down while running | The bushy tail that hangs down while running |
| Snout & Ears | Strong jaw with bone-crushing power and smaller, round ears | Long snout with tall, pointed ears |
These physical differences reflect their lifestyles perfectly. Hyenas need that extra bulk and power for crushing bones and stealing kills from other predators, while coyotes rely on speed and agility to catch smaller prey and avoid danger.
3. Social Structure
When it comes to family life, hyenas and coyotes couldn’t be more different. Hyenas live like royalty with complex social rules, while coyotes prefer simple family structures that work perfectly for their hunting lifestyle.
Hyena Clan Facts:
- Female hyenas lead the group
- Cubs inherit mom’s social rank
- Clans can include 80+ members
- Strict rules govern the feeding order
Coyote Family Patterns:
- Form small family units with simple ranks
- Both parents care for young pups
- Young coyotes leave home after growing up
- Pairs often stay together for life
Think of hyenas as living in organized kingdoms with queens and complex hierarchies, while coyotes are more like close-knit families who value independence.
This difference in social structure directly affects how they hunt, raise their young, and survive in the wild.
4. How They Hunt
Hyenas hunt as a team, working together in groups to catch their food. They use their strong running ability to tire out large animals like zebras and wildebeest.
This team method helps them take down prey that can be twice their own size.
Coyotes take a very different approach to finding food. They mostly hunt alone, looking for smaller animals like mice, voles, and rabbits.
A coyote will watch its small prey carefully, creep up slowly, then leap forward to catch it in one quick move.
5. The Sounds They Make
Both animals are incredibly vocal, but their “languages” serve different purposes. Hyenas use their sounds to maintain order in large groups, while coyotes create acoustic illusions that help them survive in smaller numbers.
The Hyena’s Vocal Range:
- The famous laugh (shows excitement or stress)
- Low whoops (long-distance communication)
- Growls and grunts (close interaction)
- Cubs make mewing sounds similar to cats
Coyote’s Sound Symphony:
- Yips, barks, and howls in complex patterns
- Can make sounds that seem like many more animals
- Calls bounce and echo, making small groups sound bigger
- Louder, more frequent howls during mating season
Here’s the clever difference: hyenas use sounds like ID cards to organize their large clans, while coyotes are acoustic magicians who make small groups sound like massive packs.
Who Would Conquer in a Fight
Who would win in a face-off? Let’s examine their hunting abilities:
| FEATURE | HYENA | COYOTE |
|---|---|---|
|
Weight |
70-190 pounds | 20-50 pounds |
|
Bite Strength |
About 1,100 psi (can crush bones) | 150-200 psi (suited for small prey) |
|
Running Speed |
35-40 mph in short bursts | 40 mph with better stamina |
|
Hunting Approach |
Group attacks, brute force | Stealth and quick movements |
|
Main Advantage |
Raw strength, group teamwork | Fast, smart, adaptable |
In a face-off, a hyena would likely win. Its much stronger bite and larger size give it a clear edge.
Even three or more coyotes would find it hard to beat one adult hyena. But this match would never happen in the wild since these animals live on different parts of the Earth.
Wrapping It Up
What can we learn from comparing these animals? Their differences highlight how nature shapes creatures to fit their surroundings.
You can also check out blogs that compare different animals with coyotes, such as gray fox vs. coyote, jackal vs. coyote, and dingo vs. coyote.
The next time you hear about either animal, you’ll know the key facts that set them apart, from their hunting styles to their family lives to the sounds they make in the wild.
