At first glance, a fox and a jackal can look surprisingly similar. Both belong to the canine family, have pointed ears, long snouts, and bushy tails. In most areas of Asia, Africa, and Europe, wildlife observers or even residents commonly confuse the two animals if they glimpse one quickly in the early morning, late evening, or at night. However, an experienced tracker has ways to distinguish one from the other besides appearance. Here are some ways one can differentiate between the two.
Jackals have distinct ways of moving.
For one thing, they are more similar to wolves, coyotes, and domesticated dogs than foxes are. Jackals have tall, slender bodies and long legs, which make their walk similar to that of a wolf or a small village dog. Instead of being delicate-looking, jackals tend to seem strong and capable.According to Britannica, jackals are fast-moving animals that actively hunt yet behave like scavengers as well. Thus, they are distinguished by steady running for extended periods of time as they patrol their territories and hunt for prey.Yet another difference between jackals and foxes can be seen in social behavior. One will rarely see more than one fox at a time. In contrast, a jackal can be found walking with its partner or relative.
Body structure settles the matter
In the case when visibility is excellent, body structure becomes another key clue.For instance, foxes are characterized by a slim body build, a narrow head, and a very bushy tail. The bushy tail itself may become one of the distinctive characteristics of a fox and serve various purposes, such as balancing or even signaling. The animal’s physique seems to resemble that of a cat. Jackals appear to be quite stockier. In particular, they usually have longer legs, a slender yet strong body type, and a non-bushy tail.
Reasons for common confusion
It is natural because foxes and jackals share the same ecological niches in different areas around the globe. Both predators are opportunists, both are highly adaptable, and they both become active mostly at dawn and dusk. Among wildlife tracking circles online, the question of distinguishing these animals from each other comes up very often, with experienced trackers asking for more details on tracks, sounds, and behavior to be sure about their decision. One should pay attention to all signs.A small, clean print, a sharp bark, and an elegant walking pattern indicate that it is a fox. A large track, a howling pack, and a steady movement suggest that it is a jackal. When identifying wildlife, one detail does not reveal the whole truth about the animal. It is when tracks, sounds, and behavior are combined that we get a complete picture.