Ears The Coyote's hearing is very acute and is used for detecting prey and avoiding danger. Movement and position of the ears is used to communicate mood and rank. Nose The Coyote's sense of smell is highly developed and is used to detect prey and carrion. It is also used to detect the scent left by other Coyotes as territorial markers. But the wolf is usually larger and darker in appearance.
Coyotes also carry their tails quite differently than wolves.
A Coyote's tail is normally held down, although not between the legs. A wolf carries its tail rather horizontally. Alone, in pairs or in packs, Coyotes maintain their territories by marking them with urine. They also use calls to defend this territory, as well as for strengthening social bonds and general communication. The Coyote can run at almost 40 mph.