red wolf size compared to coyote

Red Wolf Size Explained & Compared With Others

Last Updated on April 10, 2023 by Amin Tawar

Red Wolf Height & Length

Red Wolf Size

The red wolf is a member of the dog family native to the United States and one of the most endangered species in the world. 

Additionally, the red wolf is a smaller, thinner relative of the gray wolf and is so named because of its distinct reddish cast. 

Despite being much larger than coyotes, they are frequently mistaken for them. The size of red wolves varies widely, though, and can change depending on a variety of variables, such as sex, age, diet, and general health.

Although they are larger than Coyotes, they are quite smaller than other wolves. If you are wondering about how large these species of wolves are, then let me tell you that these are quite small. 

They have a length of about 4 feet and a shoulder height of roughly 26 inches. 

The male and female Red wolves are nearly the same size as most other wolves, and the females are only marginally smaller than the males. 

Red Wolf Size Length 
Male Shoulder Height: Upto 26 inches
Body length: 140 – 165 centimeters (4.5 – 5.5 feet)
Female Shoulder Height: Upto 22 inches
Body length: 140 – 165 centimeters (4.5 – 5.5 feet) 

Red Wolf Weight

The lifestyle, diet, and habitat of different wolf species have a significant impact on their individual characteristics and overall size. 

Red wolves are carnivores, though the type of prey they consume can affect their diet. Furthermore, the Red wolves typically consume a combination of white-tailed deer, raccoons, and smaller mammals like rabbits, rodents, and nutria, though their exact diet varies depending on the available prey. 

If we talk about the weight of the red wolves, their weight varies quite significantly. While some red wolves would be smaller, others would be much larger and heavier. 

However, typically they weigh between 18 and 41 kg (40 – 90 lbs). While the male Red wolves are about 60 pounds, the females weigh about 50 pounds. 1

Red Wolf Size Weight
Male 60 pounds
Female 50 pounds
Average weight 18 and 41 kgs (40 – 90 lbs)

Red Wolf Paw Size

In order to move around more easily and with better grip in challenging terrain and forest areas, wolves typically have paws that are very clearly defined in terms of shape and length. 

Wolves, in particular, have paws that are disproportionately large and have long well-arched toes.

Moreover, due to the relative size of their feet and the fact that wolves are digitigrades (animals that stand or walk on their toes), they are better able to balance themselves on snowy surfaces. On average the paw size of red wolves is about 5 inches long by 4 inches wide. 

Red Wolf Population Size

With only a few hundred individuals left in the wild, the red wolf population is severely threatened. Red wolves used to be widespread in the southeastern United States, but now they are mostly restricted to eastern North Carolina. 

Although efforts are being made to preserve and protect this species, their future is still in doubt.

However, as of 2022, the population of Red wolves across the globe is even less than 100. 

Presently, a non-essential experimental population of 15 to 17 red wolves forages in their natural habitats in eastern North Carolina, and 241 red wolves are kept in 45 captive breeding facilities across the country.

We have Explained All Wolf Species Sizes & How Big Are They: Do Check It Out

Red Wolf Size Comparison To Human

Red Wolf Size compared to human

When you look at an animal, you can get a good idea of how big or small the species is. However, if you have never seen the animal, you can only guess how big it might be based on numbers. 

In these circumstances, you can contrast the species with measurements of other species you have observed. For instance, given that we are aware of the average size of a human, how big or heavy is a Red wolf in comparison?

Red wolves typically weigh between 50 and 80 pounds, whereas an adult human weighs between 120 and 220 pounds. 

Red wolves are roughly 26 inches tall at the shoulder, whereas an adult human is typically about 5.5-5.9 feet tall. Red wolves are therefore significantly smaller than humans but their small size doesn’t mean they’re not ferocious.

Animal type Length Weight
Red wolf Shoulder Height: 22-26 inches
Body length: 40 – 165 centimeters (4.5 – 5.5 feet)
Male: 60 to 80 pounds
Female: 50 pounds
Average adult human 5.5 to 5.9 feet60 to 80 kgs (132 pounds to 176 pounds 

Red Wolf Vs Gray Wolf Size Comparison

Red Wolf Size compared to gray wolf

Moving on to the comparison between its own species, have you ever wondered how big or small a Red wolf would be when compared to a Gray wolf? 

There might not be a huge difference between the two, as they are of the same species, but still, they are comparable. 

As is evident, gray wolves are typically heavier and taller than red wolves. Red wolves usually weigh between 50 and 80 pounds, while gray wolves can weigh anywhere between 70 and 150 pounds. 

When standing at the shoulder, gray wolves are typically about 32 inches tall, while red wolves are typically about 26 inches tall. 

However, both species can vary greatly in size, and the size of a single wolf can change depending on a variety of variables, such as its sex, age, and diet.

Animal type Length Weight
Red wolf Shoulder Height: 22-26 inches
Body length: 40 – 165 centimeters (4.5 – 5.5 feet)
Male: 60 to 80 pounds
Female: 50 pounds
Gray timber wolves  Height: 2.6-3 feetLength: 4-6 feetMale: 70 to 110 pounds
Female: 50 to 85 pounds

Red Wolf Vs Coyote Size Comparison

Red Wolf Size compared to red wolf

As mentioned earlier, Red wolves are usually confused with coyotes. So how could you tell them apart? — Simply through their size difference, which is quite significant.

You can see that coyote are typically shorter and lighter than red wolves. Red wolves weigh between 50 and 80 pounds on average, compared to the average weight of coyotes, which ranges from 20 to 50 pounds. 

Coyotes typically stand about 24 inches tall at the shoulder, while red wolves typically stand about 26 inches tall at the shoulder.

Animal type Length Weight
Red wolf Shoulder Height: 22-26 inches
Body length: 40 – 165 centimeters (4.5 – 5.5 feet)
Male: 60 to 80 pounds
Female: 50 pounds
Coyotes  Shoulder height 1.8-2 ft
Body length 1–1.3 meters (3.3–4.3 feet) 
Male: 8 to 20 kg (18 to 44 lb)
Female: 7 to 18 kg (15 to 40 lb)

Conclusion

And that was everything you need to know about the size of Red wolf. I hope this article was informative enough and your queries were answered.

Thank You For Reading!

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