Who would win in a fight between a Coyote and a Mountain Lion?

coyote vs puma

G’day wildlife enthusiasts, today we’re going to take a closer look at two of the most elusive and skilled predators of the North American continent: the Coyote and the Mountain Lion. These two carnivores are known for their strength, agility, and endurance, making them worthy adversaries in a one-on-one fight. So, let’s take a closer look at their unique characteristics and compare their chances of winning in a battle of survival.

Size and Strength

When it comes to size and strength, the Mountain Lion is the clear winner. Weighing in at an average of 80-160 pounds, the Mountain Lion is significantly larger than the Coyote, which typically weighs in at around 20-50 pounds. The Mountain Lion’s muscular build and powerful jaws give it a distinct advantage in a fight, making it a formidable opponent for any predator in its territory.

Fighting Experience and Technique

Both the Coyote and Mountain Lion have vast experience in hunting and defending their territory, but the Mountain Lion’s fighting technique and experience is much more developed. Mountain Lions are known for their stealth and ambush tactics, often using their powerful hind legs to leap onto their prey and delivering a killing bite to the neck or head. In contrast, Coyotes tend to rely more on their speed and agility to chase down and attack their prey.

Aggressiveness and Temperament

When it comes to aggressiveness and temperament, both the Coyote and Mountain Lion are known for their fierce and territorial nature. However, the Mountain Lion is much more aggressive and territorial than the Coyote, especially when it comes to protecting their young. Mountain Lions have been known to take on prey much larger than themselves, and they will not back down from a fight if their territory is threatened.

Speed and Agility

While the Coyote is known for its speed and agility, the Mountain Lion is even faster and more agile. Mountain Lions are capable of running at speeds of up to 50 mph and can leap up to 15 feet in a single bound. This speed and agility give the Mountain Lion an enormous advantage in a one-on-one fight, allowing it to quickly outmaneuver its opponent and deliver a lethal attack.

Endurance and Stamina

When it comes to endurance and stamina, the Coyote has the upper hand. Coyotes are known for their exceptional endurance, which allows them to pursue their prey for long distances without tiring. Mountain Lions, on the other hand, are sprinters and tend to exhaust their energy quickly, making them vulnerable if a fight is prolonged.

Weapons or Defensive Mechanisms

Both the Coyote and Mountain Lion have powerful jaws and sharp teeth, which they use to deliver lethal bites to their prey. Mountain Lions also have retractable claws, which they use to climb trees and attack from above. Coyotes, however, have a more varied arsenal of defensive mechanisms, including the ability to yip and bark to summon their pack for backup.

Ability to Finish Opponent

In a one-on-one fight, the Mountain Lion has a much higher chance of finishing off its opponent. Their powerful jaws and lethal bite can quickly dispatch prey, while their agility and speed make them difficult to catch or evade. Coyotes, on the other hand, tend to rely more on harassing and wearing down their prey, rather than delivering a killing blow.

What Do They Normally Prey Onto

Coyotes are opportunistic hunters and will prey on a variety of animals, including small rodents, rabbits, and even deer. Mountain Lions, on the other hand, tend to prey on larger animals, such as elk, deer, and even bighorn sheep. They are also known to take down livestock and domesticated animals.

So, considering all these factors, who would win in a one-on-one fight between a Coyote and a Mountain Lion?

It’s clear that in a one-on-one fight, the Mountain Lion has a significant advantage over the Coyote. The Mountain Lion’s size, strength, and powerful fighting technique give it an edge over the smaller, less experienced Coyote. Additionally, the Mountain Lion’s agility and speed make it difficult for the Coyote to evade or defend against its attacks.

While the Coyote has impressive endurance and defensive mechanisms, it may not be enough to overcome the Mountain Lion’s lethal bite and superior strength. In a prolonged fight, the Mountain Lion would likely emerge victorious, as it can quickly finish off its opponent with a powerful bite to the neck or head.

If we were to assign a percentage chance of winning, it’s likely that the Mountain Lion would have a 75% chance of winning a one-on-one fight with a Coyote. While the Coyote has its strengths, the Mountain Lion’s size, strength, and fighting technique give it a significant advantage in a battle for survival.

In conclusion, both the Coyote and Mountain Lion are skilled predators and important members of their ecosystem. While they may occasionally come into conflict with each other, their unique characteristics and abilities ensure that they can survive and thrive in the wild.

Check video of fight here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKpL8213WE4&ab_channel=barryk.