Understanding what does coyote poop look like is more than just a matter of curiosity; it is a vital skill for homeowners, hikers, and wildlife enthusiasts alike, especially as urban coyote populations continue to expand. As of December 2025, recent studies confirm that the characteristics of *Canis latrans* scat are increasingly tied to their highly adaptable, omnivorous diet, which often includes anthropogenic (human-related) food sources in metropolitan areas. Identifying these droppings, or "scat," is the first step in understanding their presence, movement, and potential impact on your local environment. Unlike the uniform droppings of a domestic dog, coyote feces offer a clear window into the animal's recent meals and territorial behaviors. Learning the key identifiers—from the telltale twisted shape to the surprising contents—can help you take appropriate measures for wildlife management and ensure the safety of your pets and property.

Coyote Scat vs. The Rest: 7 Key Identifiers You Must Know

Coyote scat is often mistaken for dog droppings, especially those from medium to large breeds. However, a closer inspection reveals distinct differences that are crucial for accurate identification. These seven characteristics are the most reliable indicators that you are dealing with coyote feces.

1. The Signature Shape: Tubular and Tapered

The most reliable visual clue is the shape. Coyote droppings are typically tubular and often described as having a twisted, rope-like appearance. Crucially, the ends are usually tapered or pointed, unlike the blunt, rounded ends of most domestic dog poop. This pointed shape is a strong indicator of a wild canid.

2. The Telltale Contents: Hair, Bone, and Seeds

This is the definitive separator between coyote and dog scat. Because coyotes are true omnivores and often swallow their prey whole, their digestive system does not fully break down all materials. A fresh piece of coyote scat will almost always contain visible, undigested material, including:

• Fur or Hair: Often from rodents, rabbits, or other small prey.
• Bone Fragments: Small, white, sharp pieces of bone.
• Seeds and Berries: Especially in the late summer and fall, reflecting a seasonal diet.
• Insect Parts: Chitinous exoskeletons from beetles or other insects.

Dog food, being highly processed, results in droppings that are much more uniform and lack this fibrous, chunky content.

3. Size and Diameter: How Big is Too Big?

Coyote scat size can vary based on the animal's age, sex, and diet, but there is a general range to look for.

• Average Length: Most droppings measure between 3 to 4 inches long.
• Average Diameter: The thickness is typically about one inch in diameter.
• Male Scat Variation: Interestingly, droppings from larger male coyotes can sometimes be significantly longer, measuring anywhere from 6 to 12 inches in length.

4. Color Variation Based on Diet and Season

The color of the scat is a direct reflection of the coyote's recent diet, which highlights their adaptability.

• Dark/Black: Common during winter months when their diet consists heavily of meat, fur, and bone (e.g., small mammals).
• Grayish/White: Often seen when the scat is older or when the diet has a high bone or hair content.
• Red/Purple: A strong indicator of a diet rich in fruits and berries, such as cherries, grapes, or prickly pear.

5. Strategic Location: The Territorial Marker

Coyotes use their scat as a form of communication, making the location a critical identifier. Unlike a domestic dog that might defecate randomly in the backyard, coyotes often leave their droppings in highly visible, strategic locations to mark their territory. Common locations include:

• The center of a trail or dirt road.
• On top of a rock, log, or small mound.
• At the intersection of two trails or pathways.

This behavior, known as "scat deposition," is a deliberate territorial marking strategy.

6. The Smell Test (Use Caution!)

While you should never handle scat directly, the scent can be a distinguishing factor. Coyote feces, especially when fresh and containing meat/fur, will have a strong, musky, and distinctly wild animal odor. Dog droppings, particularly from dogs on a commercial kibble diet, typically have a different, less pungent, and more uniform odor.

7. Differentiation from Fox and Wolf Scat

Knowing the difference between other wild canids is important for accurate wildlife identification.

• Fox Droppings: Fox scat is generally smaller and thinner than coyote scat, usually measuring 2–3 inches in length and sometimes having a very noticeable tapered end.
• Wolf Droppings: Wolf scat is significantly larger and thicker, often 1.25 inches in diameter or more, reflecting the larger size of the animal.

The Latest Insights from Coyote Scat Analysis

Recent academic and field studies, particularly those focusing on urban coyotes, have transformed scat collection from a simple identification task into a valuable tool for dietary analysis and public health research.

The Urban Coyote Diet Revelation

Studies conducted in metropolitan areas like San Francisco have revealed just how adaptable the coyote's diet truly is. Researchers collect hundreds of scat samples to analyze the contents, providing a snapshot of the local food web dynamics. The findings often show a surprising quantity of anthropogenic food—human food waste—in the scat of coyotes living near high-density human areas. This consumption of human food is positively correlated with the amount of impervious surface cover (pavement, buildings), suggesting that coyotes consuming more human food are those living deep within urban landscapes.

Scat and Public Health

Beyond diet, scat analysis is crucial for monitoring disease dynamics. Researchers can test the feces for parasites, viruses, and other pathogens that could potentially be transmitted to domestic pets or humans. This data is essential for wildlife management professionals to assess risks and implement appropriate public health strategies in areas where human and coyote habitats overlap.

What to Do If You Find Coyote Droppings

Finding coyote scat is a clear sign that a coyote is active in your immediate area. It should be taken as a signal to review your property security and coyote hazing practices.

Safety and Removal Protocols

Coyote feces can contain parasites like roundworm (*Toxascaris leonina*), which can pose a risk to domestic animals and, in rare cases, humans. Therefore, caution is paramount.

• Do Not Touch: Never handle scat with bare hands.
• Use Tools: Use a shovel, scoop, or inverted plastic bag to pick up the droppings.
• Disposal: Double-bag the scat and dispose of it in a secure outdoor trash receptacle.
• Disinfect: Clean the area where the scat was found with a mild bleach solution or commercial disinfectant.

Preventing Future Visits

The presence of scat means the coyote views your area as part of its territory or a viable food source. To discourage repeat visits, focus on eliminating attractants:

• Secure all garbage cans with locking lids.
• Do not leave pet food or water bowls outside overnight.
• Clear fallen fruit from trees and garden areas.
• Supervise small pets closely, especially at dawn and dusk.

By learning the key identifiers of coyote scat—the tubular shape, the pointed ends, and the fibrous content of bone and fur—you gain valuable insight into the presence of these intelligent canids. This knowledge is your first line of defense in coexisting safely with the wildlife in your neighborhood.