Coyote Tails vs Red Fox Tails. The red fox has a head-to-body length of 18 to 35 inches and a tail length of 12 to 22 inches.

Some of the sightings were indeed of coyotes, but some were foxes. Few Long Islanders could tell the difference.

KENNEBUNK, Maine — A wildlife expert said he finally has an answer on the mystery white animal found dead in town last week: It's a rare white eastern coyote.

Look at the tip of that fox’s tail. If you can get a good look at the fox, look at its tail: the very tip of the red fox’s tail is usually white, and the gray fox will have a black-tipped tail.

Look at the tip of that fox’s tail. If you can get a good look at the fox, look at its tail: the very tip of the red fox’s tail is usually white, and the gray fox will have a black-tipped tail.

A bushy tail, black at the tip. Then it’s gone, leaving you with a sense of awe—and a question: Wolf vs coyote, which was it? The fact that you saw it may be the strongest clue.