Key Points:
- Coyotes and feral hogs are smart and can survive in many of the same environments. Both animals have highly keen senses, are good swimmers, and can run long distances.
- Feral hogs are much larger than coyotes – weighing up to 400 pounds to the coyote’s maximum weight of 50 pounds.
- Feral hogs are invasive animals that are causing a major problem in the United States, especially in the state of Texas, where they number in the millions.
Are you ready for a wild animal showdown? Then get ready to witness the epic battle between two of nature’s fiercest competitors: the coyote and the feral hog!
The coyote is known for its sharp wits and adaptability in any environment, while the feral hog has an intimidating reputation as one of nature’s toughest adversaries. Who will prevail in this clash of titans? Read on to find out who will be crowned champion in the coyote vs. feral hog battle.
Key Differences Between a Coyote and a Feral Hog
Animal Battle Factors | Coyote | Feral Hog |
---|---|---|
Size | Height: 1.5 to 2 feet Length: 3.5 to 4.5 feet Weight: 15 to 50 pounds | Height: 3 to 5 feet Length: 4 to 5 feet Weight: 75 to 400 pounds |
Speed | 35 to 45 mph | 10 to 15 mph |
Attack | Large canines Bites at the legs of prey as it tries to escape | Aggressive demeanor Charges with great force |
Defense | Large canines | 4 sharp tusks |
Intelligence | Highly intelligent | Highly intelligent |
Survival Skills | Adaptability Swimming Running Keen sense of smell and hearing Hides in burrows | Adaptability Swimming Running Keen sense of smell and hearing Attacks intruders |
The key differences between a coyote and a feral hog are their size, speed, and attack abilities. On one side, we have the coyote – small and fast but rarely looking for a fight. The coyote stands a mere 1.5 to 2 feet tall with a weight of only 15 to 50 pounds.
On the other hand, the feral hog towers over its opponent at 5 feet tall with a hefty 400-pound frame. But despite its bulk, the feral hog can’t keep up with the coyote regarding speed. Hogs reach speeds of only 15 mph compared to their rival’s 45 mph sprint.
The cunning coyote is also equipped with razor-sharp teeth. However, the feral hog is ready to defend itself with four self-sharpening tusks. Let’s get to know our two animal competitors a little bit more.
Introducing Competitor #1: The Coyote

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Coyotes are mischievous masterminds of Mother Nature, boasting sharp snouts, lean bodies, and yellow eyes. With thick fur and a bushy tail to boot, they’ve been labeled the wiliest creatures on the continent – and with good reason! Their intelligence and versatility have allowed them to find homes in much of North America. Researchers say that modern city-dwelling coyotes are bolder than rural ones. And the coyote in this battle is as street-smart as they come.
Introducing Competitor #2: The Feral Hog

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Our second competitor has many names: wild pigs, feral hogs, razorbacks, and boars. They also have a reputation for causing mayhem wherever they go. These invasive critters are causing a major problem in the United States, especially in Texas. They tear up the land and make life difficult for native wildlife species.
Feral hogs are big bullies. They’re always ready to chase off other animals that dare enter their wallowing or feeding areas, especially if the intruder is a coyote! You can bet that the hog will bring a fierce attitude to this animal battle.
Animal Showdown: Key Factors in Coyote vs. Feral Hog Battle
The key factors in a coyote vs. feral hog fight are size, speed, attack and defense capabilities, intelligence, and survival skills. How will these factors play into who comes out on top? Let’s see how things play out with round one of our animal battle!
Round 1: Size and Speed

©iStock.com/Songbird839
The first round of the battle between a coyote and vs. feral hog is about size and speed. Coyotes are small and quick. At the same time, feral hogs are much larger.
The coyote has an edge in agility when the two animals face off. He can outrun the hefty hog. But don’t be too quick to count out the hog just yet. Its impressive size means it can take more of a beating than its smaller opponent! Round one goes to the feral hog.
Round 2: Attack and Defense Capabilities

©vlod007 / CC BY 2.0, Flickr – License
It’s the second round in our battle between a coyote and a feral hog, and it’s all about attack and defense capabilities. Coyotes possess sharp teeth that they can use to fight off predators, while hogs have four large self-sharpening tusks for defense.
The coyote’s bite would hurt the feral hog, but it’d take a strategic bite to kill it. On the other hand, when the hog attacks the coyote, it only needs to land one blow to end the battle. Its sharp tusks will slash the coyote’s stomach wide open. And there’s no coming back from that. Round two goes to the feral hog again!
Round 3: Intelligence and Survival Skills

©JayPierstorff/Shutterstock.com
Intelligence and survival skills complete the third round of our battle between a coyote and a feral hog. Coyotes are often considered one of the most intelligent animals on the planet and can survive by adapting to new environments.
Feral hogs are also smart and can survive in many of the same environments as coyotes. Finally, both animals have highly keen senses, are good swimmers, and can run long distances. It’s clear both competitors are pros at survival. Round three goes to both the coyote and feral hog.
Who Would Win in a Fight Between a Coyote and a Feral Hog?

©A-Z-Animals.com
And the winner is…the feral hog! Size and attack abilities are the deciding factors for this animal showdown. Even though the coyote has plenty of tricks and skills up its sleeve, the feral hog’s deadly sharp tusks are enough to give it a winning edge.
Once the coyote is close enough to attack, it’s game over. The feral hog can slash the smaller opponent with its tusks and take the victory. And even if the coyote bites the winner in the process, the hog’s large body can take the damage.
So, next time you wonder who would win in a coyote vs. feral hog battle, the answer is clear. Don’t mess with the tusks! The feral hog will always stand tall in this battle.
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Sources
- Breck, S.W., Poessel, S., Mahoney, P. , Available here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-38543-5
- Texas A&M Agrilife Extension, Available here: https://feralhogs.tamu.edu/#:~:text=Feral%20hogs%20(Sus%20scrofa)%20are,with%20native%20wildlife%20for%20resources.
- Urban Coyote Research Project (1970) Texas A&M Agrilife Extension