Texas Showdown: Who Emerges Victorious in a Coyote vs. Feral Hog Battle?

Written by Crystal
Updated: September 26, 2023
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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 FactorsCoyoteFeral Hog
SizeHeight: 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
Speed35 to 45 mph10 to 15 mph
AttackLarge canines
Bites at the legs of prey as it tries to escape
Aggressive demeanor
Charges with great force
DefenseLarge canines4 sharp tusks
IntelligenceHighly intelligentHighly intelligent
Survival SkillsAdaptability
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

Alert coyote looks to the right with a blurred green background

Alert coyote looks to the right with a blurred green background

©Paul Tessier/Shutterstock.com

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

Wild Boar, Forest, Animals In The Wild, Large, Domestic Pig, Feral Hog

Feral hogs are wild pigs and are also called wild boars.

©iStock.com/JMrocek

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

snarling coyote

In the battle between a coyote and a feral hog, the coyote wins in the agility department. Feral hogs can take more of a beating, though.

©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

A feral hog only needs one good blow against a coyote to take it down.

©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

coyote howling from on top of a rock

Coyotes and feral hogs are about equal in the battle of 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?

Coyote vs. Feral Hog
The victory in a battle between a coyote and a feral hog unequivocally goes to the feral hog.

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.

What Are Other Predators of Feral Hogs in the Wild?

Juvenile Mountain lion cougar panther, puma, cub, feline, big cat. Native to the Americas, its range spans from the Canada to the South America and is the most widespread of North America.

If a

mountain lion

encounters a wild hog, it will certainly try to catch it for dinner.

©Holly S Cannon/Shutterstock.com

Feral hogs have a variety of natural predators in the wild, including wolves, bears, mountain lions, and wild cats. Wolves have a strong presence in areas with a large feral hog population, as they are known to hunt in packs and can take down a hog together and share in the meal. Bears are also known to hunt feral hogs and live in areas with a large number of hogs. Mountain lions also hunt them in wooded areas and mountainous regions. Wild cats such as bobcats and lynxes are also predators and attack the infant hogs. All of these predators can have a significant impact on the feral hog population if given the opportunity.

The photo featured at the top of this post is ©


Sources

  1. Breck, S.W., Poessel, S., Mahoney, P. , Available here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-38543-5
  2. Texas A&M Agrilife Extension, Available here: https://feralhogs.tamu.edu/#:~:text=Feral%20hogs%20(Sus%20scrofa)%20are,with%20native%20wildlife%20for%20resources.
  3. Urban Coyote Research Project (1970) Texas A&M Agrilife Extension
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About the Author

Crystal is a dedicated writer at A-Z Animals, focusing on topics related to mammals, insects, and travel. With over a decade of experience in the world of research and writing, she also fulfills the role of a skilled video and audio engineer. Residing in sunny Florida, alligators are Crystal's favorite animal.

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