curious-can foxes breed with coyotes?

[heather112588]

i live in baltimore md. I had varies problems with predators, mostly fox. Coyotes are starting to be seen around the state, but i count my blessings that i have yet to see one. Yesterday I saw the biggest fox i've ever seen in my life come up on my front porch! It was definently a red fox but it was the size of a meduim to large dog...bigger than a beagle! Is the above situition possible or is it normal for foxes to get that size?

 

[Black Cochin Bantams]

Fox have a great amount of fur this time of year. An older one with a good coat of fur would look quite large. As to the title question: NO, fox and coyotes do not interbreed.

 

[woodmort]

First, no they do not interbreed, coyotes will usually kill foxes if they catch them. On the other hand, foxes are getting very bold this time of year--see my thread on interesting fox story. I suspect it is a combination of factors due to few prey and lack of hunting pressure.