POLL: Fox or coyote? Curious canine divides viewers online in Brampton

A curious canine spotted in the urban wilds of Brampton sparked debate on social media with some saying it was a fox while others believe it to be a coyote.

The critter was spotted on Dec. 23 just north of Williams Parkway and Centre Street near the Carrefour Des Jeunes elementary school.

GMcGroarty80, a local user on the social media site Reddit, snapped a picture of the animal and posted it online with the title “Fox? Coyote?” and users were quick to give their opinions.

The post received dozens of comments with users debating what the animal might be.

“Very much a Red Fox,” one user wrote. “All of those I’ve seen around were greyish, (reddish) variety with black feet.”

“Foxes are very small compared to a coyote. If it was larger than a beagle it was probably a coyote,” wrote another.

Even more users thought it could be a “coy fox” or “cox” – a hybrid between the species.

And while the two are related, such a cross-breed isn’t possible as foxes and coyotes aren’t part of the same genus. However, coyotes and wolves can inter-breed leading to a species known as a coywolf.

Most users including GMcGroarty80 said they’re fairly confident the animal was a coyote, but what do you think? There’s a poll below where you can cast your vote.

Brampton Animal Services says coyotes and foxes differ significantly in size, with coyotes weighing 30 to 40 lbs. while foxes weigh around 10 to 15 lbs., though their bushy coats can make both appear larger.

Animal services said in a statement that the animal is likely a coyote “with red and blonde fur.”

“Coyotes can vary in coloration, ranging from grayish-brown to reddish hues, which often leads to confusion with red foxes,” Brampton Animal Services told INsauga.com. “A key identifying feature in this case is the black-tipped tail, characteristic of coyotes, while red foxes typically have a white-tipped tail.”

GMcGroarty80 told INsauga.com that they decided not to report the sighting to Brampton Animal Services and “just observe its beauty.”

Both foxes and coyotes call Brampton home, although coyotes are a far more common sight.

There are two different types of foxes in Brampton – the “more common” red fox and the “elusive” grey fox, according to Brampton Wildlife Control.

“While both species can be spotted throughout the city, the grey fox tends to climb trees to hunt for food, giving him a distinct advantage over his red counterpart,” the local wildlife control company says on its website.

Coyotes on the other hand are more prevalent across the city. They can be easier to spot in the winter because there is less foliage to provide cover and snow tracks may reveal their movement in the area.

They’re usually more active at dawn and dusk, but colder weather and reduced daylight can increase coyote activity during the daylight hours.

Whether you run into a coyote or a fox in Brampton, here are some safety tips to keep in mind when encountering either animal:

• Never feed wildlife, as it can make them more comfortable being around humans.
• Secure food sources like garbage, compost or pet food around your home.
• Keep pets leashed and supervised outdoors, especially in the early morning and evening when foxes and coyotes are more active.
• If you encounter a fox or coyote, maintain eye contact, make yourself appear larger and use loud noises to scare it away.