While coyotes can often be mistaken for domestic dogs when seen from a distance, there are distinguishing characteristics to tell them apart. Some of which are their pointed and erect ears and their tail which is drooping when they run. Their colors vary from a grayish brown to a yellowish gray on the upper parts. The throat and belly are somewhat white while the forelegs, sides of the head, muzzle, and feet are reddish-brown. The back has underfur and long, black-tipped, guard hairs that produce a black stripe. The tail is about half the body length and bottle-shaped with a black tip.