Wolves and Coyotes

[deckardcanine]

Wolves and coyotes look fairly alike,
But you should want to tell them apart.
Just knowing that wolves are substantially bigger
In length, height, and weight is a start.

But wolf pups resemble coyotes more strongly,
So here are additional notes:
While both can be gray, some coyotes are reddish brown;
Wolves can have black or white coats.

The faces of wolves aren’t as narrow or pointed.
Their nose pads are not quite as small.
Their tails aren’t as bushy or low to the ground,
And their ears aren’t as pointy or tall.

The howls of coyotes are typically higher
And shorter, with rises and falls.
They tend to mix in a few yips, yaps, and yelps,
While the wolves include growls in their calls.

The wolves hunt in packs and prefer larger prey,
While coyotes hunt often in pairs.
The latter adapt more to humans; regardless,
Let’s meddle in neither’s affairs.