Do Coyotes Have Night Vision? How They See in the Dark

Coyotes are amazing animals. They’re known for their ability to adapt and hunt at night. But have you ever wondered, do coyotes have night vision? It’s a common question, especially for hunters or people who enjoy watching wildlife. From my own time out in the wild, I’ve seen how well they can see in the dark. While it’s not exactly like the night vision you see in movies, coyotes are built to thrive in low light. In this article, I’ll explain how coyotes see at night, how far they can spot things, and if they can detect infrared light. Whether you’re a hunter or just curious, keep reading!

Understanding Coyotes’ Vision Capabilities

Ever tried walking through the woods at night without a flashlight? It’s tough. Everything blurs together, and you end up relying on your ears more than your eyes. But coyotes? They don’t have that problem. Their eyes are built for the dark, giving them a huge advantage when the sun goes down.

How Animal Vision Differs from Human Vision

Coyotes and humans see the world in very different ways. We see bright colors and fine details—great for the daytime, but pretty useless at night. Coyotes, though, have eyes made for low light.

Think of it like this: If human vision is like a high-definition TV that struggles in the dark, coyote vision is like night mode on a camera. They may not see every color, but they’re great at spotting movement in the shadows. That’s because their eyes have more rod cells, which help them see when light is low.

How Coyotes See So Well at Night

Coyotes don’t need flashlights or a full moon to see in the dark. Their large pupils pull in more light, and they have a special layer in their eyes called the tapetum lucidum. This layer reflects light, giving them a second chance to process what they see. That’s why their eyes glow in headlights!

This trick helps them spot movement even when it’s almost pitch black. They don’t need to see every little detail. Instead, they focus on shadows and motion—enough to track a rabbit or mouse sneaking through the grass.

I’ve seen this myself while camping. One moment, the field looked empty. The next, a coyote appeared out of nowhere, staring at something I couldn’t even see. In seconds, it locked onto its target and moved in fast.

So, do coyotes have night vision? Yes! It’s not like human night vision, but their eyes are built to see in the dark. That’s what makes them such great hunters after sunset.

Do Coyotes Have Night Vision?

Ever watched a coyote move in the dark and wondered—can they see at night? The short answer is yes, but not like the night vision goggles in movies. Instead, their eyes are built to work in low light, helping them hunt and stay safe.

What Is Night Vision for Animals?

When we think of night vision, we picture bright, clear images like in action films. But animals don’t need that kind of vision. They just need to see well enough to find food and avoid danger when the sun goes down.

Coyotes are most active at dawn, dusk, and night. Their eyes help them spot movement in dim light, giving them a huge advantage when hunting in the dark.

How Coyotes See in the Dark

Coyotes’ eyes work differently from ours. Their large pupils let in more light, making it easier to see when it’s dark. But their biggest advantage comes from rod cells—special cells in their eyes that help them see in low light.

Humans have more cone cells, which help us see bright colors and details during the day. Coyotes, though, have way more rod cells, which allow them to see shapes and movement in the dark.

They also have a built-in mirror in their eyes called the tapetum lucidum. This layer reflects light back through their eyes, helping them see even better at night. That’s why their eyes glow in headlights!

Seeing Coyotes in Action at Night

One night while camping, I noticed a shadow moving in the distance. I squinted, but I couldn’t tell what it was. Then, out of nowhere, a coyote stepped into view. It stared at something I couldn’t even see—then crept forward, totally focused.

Coyotes don’t need to see every little detail. They just need to spot movement and shadows, and that’s enough for them to hunt.

So, do coyotes have night vision? Yes! Their eyes are made for the dark. They can’t see in complete blackness, but even with a little moonlight, they see far better than we do.

Can Coyotes See Color?

Ever wondered if coyotes see colors like we do? The short answer: kind of, but not the full rainbow. Their vision is more like an old TV with limited colors than a bright, high-definition screen.

What Colors Can Coyotes See?

Coyotes don’t see the world in full color like humans. We have three types of color receptors in our eyes, which help us see a wide range of colors. Coyotes only have two. That means they can see blue and yellow, but reds and greens look like dull shades of gray or brown.

Think of it like this: A bright red apple might look grayish to a coyote, while a blue jacket would stand out. They don’t see colors the way we do, but they’re great at noticing contrast and movement.

How Does This Affect Their Hunting?

Coyotes don’t need color to hunt. They focus on motion, shapes, and shadows. Their eyes are built for spotting movement in low light, not picking out bright colors.

That’s why a bright orange hunting vest might not stand out to them the way it does to us. They don’t see the bright color—we do. But if you move, they’ll notice right away.

Why Does This Matter?

Knowing how coyotes see helps hunters and wildlife watchers. If you’re hunting, staying still and blending in with the background is more important than wearing the “right” color. Coyotes don’t care if your gear is green or orange—they care if you move.

So, can coyotes see color? Yes, but only a little. They see blue and yellow best, but the rest of the world looks faded. But when it comes to spotting movement, their eyes are sharp—and that’s what makes them such great hunters.

The Science Behind Coyote Vision

Coyotes are built for the night. Their eyes help them hunt, stay safe, and move like shadows in the dark. But how do they see so well when we struggle? Let’s break it down.

How Coyote Eyes Work at Night

Ever seen a coyote’s eyes glow in the dark? That’s because of a special layer in their eyes called the tapetum lucidum. It acts like a mirror, bouncing light back through their eyes. This helps them use even the tiniest bit of light to see better.

Coyotes also have big pupils that let in more light. But their real advantage comes from rod cells—special cells in their eyes that detect light and motion. Humans have more cone cells, which help us see colors. But coyotes have more rods, which make them great at seeing in dim light.

So, can coyotes see in the dark? Yes! Their eyes capture and use light better than ours, making them expert night hunters.

How Coyote Vision Compares to Other Nocturnal Animals

Coyotes aren’t the best night-seers in the animal world, but they’re pretty close. Let’s compare:

• Owls have incredible night vision but can’t move their eyes like coyotes can.
• Big cats like mountain lions see well in the dark but focus on bigger prey.
• Dogs and wolves have similar night vision, but coyotes rely on theirs more since they often hunt alone.

Coyotes see better than humans but not as well as owls. What makes them special is how they use their vision, hearing, and smell together.

Why Coyotes Are Great Night Hunters

Coyotes don’t need perfect vision to hunt. They focus on movement and shadows instead of tiny details.

I’ve seen it myself. One night, I barely noticed anything moving in the distance. Then, out of nowhere, a coyote locked onto something I couldn’t even see. In seconds, it crept forward, ready to strike.

What makes coyotes such skilled night hunters?

• They gather every bit of light to see better.
• They detect motion first instead of focusing on small details.
• They use their other senses when vision isn’t enough.

Coyotes don’t see in total darkness, but they don’t need to. Their eyes, ears, and nose work together, making them one of the smartest hunters after sunset.

Can Coyotes See Infrared Light?

Ever wondered if coyotes can see infrared (IR) light? If you’ve used a thermal scope or trail camera, you might have thought, Can they detect infrared? The simple answer? No, they can’t.

What Is Infrared Light?

Infrared light is a type of energy we can’t see with our eyes. It sits just past red on the color spectrum. Think of a TV remote—when you press a button, it sends an infrared signal, but you don’t see anything. Some animals, like snakes, can sense heat from infrared, but coyotes don’t have that ability.

Why Can’t Coyotes See Infrared?

Coyotes rely on visible light. Their eyes work well in low light, but infrared is completely invisible to them. If you’re using a thermal scope, don’t worry—they won’t see the infrared beam or heat signature.

Do Coyotes Avoid Infrared Trail Cameras?

Some hunters believe coyotes dodge infrared trail cameras. But that’s not because they see IR light. Many trail cameras give off a faint red glow when snapping a picture. Coyotes, being sharp and cautious, might notice that small light and avoid it.

How Do Coyotes Detect Danger Without Infrared Vision?

Coyotes don’t need infrared to sense threats. Instead, they use:

• Sharp hearing – They can pick up tiny sounds from far away.
• Strong sense of smell – They detect scents from over a mile.
• Keen eyesight – They notice movement, even in dim light.

So, while they can’t see infrared, they stay alert using their other senses. If a coyote picks up your scent or hears a sound, it won’t stick around.

The Bottom Line

Coyotes can’t see infrared light. They won’t notice the beam from your thermal scope or an IR camera. But they’re still smart. If you move too much or make noise, they’ll know you’re there—infrared or not.

How Far Can Coyotes See in the Dark?

Ever been outside at night and struggled to see? Now picture a coyote. It moves through the dark like it has built-in night vision. But how far can it actually see?

Coyotes Spot Movement from Far Away

Coyotes don’t need perfect vision to hunt. They focus on motion and contrast rather than tiny details. Even in low light, they can spot movement from hundreds of feet away—sometimes even farther if there’s moonlight.

Think of it like your phone’s night mode. It may not be crystal clear, but it brightens just enough to reveal what’s important—like a rabbit twitching in the grass.

How Their Eyes Work in the Dark

Coyotes have more rod cells than humans, which help them see when light is low. Their eyes also have a special layer called the tapetum lucidum. This acts like a mirror, bouncing light back to give them a second chance to see in the dark.

Can they see in complete darkness? Not exactly. If there’s no light at all, even they struggle. But with a little moonlight or distant streetlights, their night vision kicks in, letting them see much better than we can.

A Real-Life Encounter

One night, I sat in a tree stand, scanning a field. With my eyes alone, I saw nothing but shadows. Then, I looked through my thermal scope—and there it was. A coyote hundreds of yards away, already locked onto something I couldn’t even see.

That’s the power of coyote vision. They don’t need perfect clarity—just a hint of motion, and they’re on it.

So, How Far Can Coyotes See?

Coyotes can see hundreds of feet in low light. They rely on movement and contrast more than fine details. In total darkness, they’re just as blind as we are. But under the stars or a faint moon? They’ll see you long before you see them.

How Do Coyotes Hunt at Night?

When night falls, coyotes become masters of the dark. Their hunting skills are impressive, and it’s not just their night vision that makes them so good—it’s how they use all their senses together. They rely on sight, hearing, and smell to track prey in the dark.

I’ve watched coyotes hunt at night, and it’s like they’ve mastered an art. They move quietly, almost like shadows. Their eyes can pick up movement, but they don’t just depend on sight. They also use their sharp hearing and keen sense of smell to find their next meal.

Vision’s Role in Hunting

Coyotes don’t need perfect sight to hunt at night. They’re experts at noticing movement. A small twitch of grass or a shadow is all they need to track a prey animal. Their eyes are built to spot motion from far away, making them excellent hunters in the dark.

But vision isn’t the only tool they use. Coyotes can hear incredibly well. They can pick up sounds we can’t even notice, like a mouse rustling in the leaves. This is especially helpful when it’s too dark to rely on sight alone.

The Power of Smell

Their sense of smell is just as powerful. Coyotes can smell prey from over a mile away. One night, while camping, I heard coyotes in the distance. I couldn’t see them, but I knew they were closing in. The sound of their paws was faint, but I realized they had caught the scent of something nearby. They didn’t need to see it—they could smell it.

Hunting in Harmony

Coyotes don’t just use one sense—they combine everything. Their vision catches movement, their hearing detects sound, and their smell ties it all together. If one sense doesn’t pick it up, another will.

Even when hunting alone, coyotes use their senses to make them great predators. When they hunt in packs, it’s even more effective. They can surround prey, and with all their senses working together, they’re nearly unstoppable.

So, how do coyotes hunt at night? They rely on vision, hearing, and smell, using each sense to work together in perfect harmony. It’s clear why they’re such skilled hunters in the dark.

Thermal or Night Vision Scope for Coyote Hunting

If you’ve ever sat in a field after sunset, waiting on coyotes, you know how tricky it can be to spot one in the dark. Even if you’ve got sharp eyes, it’s like looking for a needle in a haystack—only the haystack is moving, and the needle hears you breathing. That’s where thermal and night vision scopes come in. They’re total game-changers.

How Do Thermal and Night Vision Scopes Work?

Here’s the quick answer:

• Thermal scopes detect heat.
• Night vision scopes amplify light.

A thermal scope picks up the heat signature of animals (or people). Everything warm glows. Imagine looking through a filter where the coyote lights up like it’s been painted with a glow stick. Even if it’s hiding in thick brush, you’ll spot that heat signature.

Night vision, on the other hand, works by amplifying the tiny bits of light already there—moonlight, starlight, or infrared light from an illuminator. It turns a dark scene into something you can actually see, almost like flipping on a dim green light. You’ll notice details like a coyote’s outline or its glowing eyes, but you need some ambient light to make it work.

Short answer: Thermal spots heat, even in total darkness. Night vision makes dim light brighter so you can see shapes and movement.

Thermal Scopes vs. Night Vision Scopes: Which Is Better for Coyote Hunting?

Here’s the honest truth: It depends on how and where you hunt.
Both have pros and cons. Let’s break it down like we’re swapping stories at the tailgate.

Thermal Scope Pros:

• Spots coyotes faster, even if they’re hiding or not moving much.
• Works in complete darkness, fog, or heavy brush.
• Easy to pick out heat signatures from a long distance—hundreds of yards out.

Thermal Scope Cons:

• Less detail. You won’t always see what the animal’s doing—just that it’s there and warm.
• Expensive. Even entry-level thermals can cost more than a nice rifle.
• Can be tough to identify animals beyond “there’s something warm out there.”

Night Vision Pros:

• More detail. You can see shapes, movements, even facial features if they’re close.
• Feels more natural, almost like using your own eyes at night.
• Cheaper than thermal (though good ones can still get pricey).

Night Vision Cons:

• Needs some light. If it’s pitch black, you’ll need an IR illuminator.
• Fog, rain, or dust can make it almost useless.
• Coyotes may spot your IR light if they’re close enough.

Short answer: Thermal scopes help you find coyotes fast. Night vision gives you more detail once you’ve found them.

My Personal Take: What I Use and Why

When I first got into night hunting, I started with night vision. It was more affordable, and I liked seeing the world the way my eyes might (if they had superpowers). But pretty soon, I realized how much I was missing coyotes that weren’t moving. They’d hang back, not making a sound—and I’d have no clue they were there.

So I switched to a thermal scope, and honestly? It was like flipping a switch. One night, I picked up a heat signature 300 yards out. The coyote was laying low in tall grass, totally still. No way I’d have seen it with night vision.

Now, I use a combo. Thermal to find them, night vision to ID them. If I could only pick one, I’d go thermal every time—especially if you’re hunting in places where coyotes are spooky and hang back in cover.

Quick Recap: Which Scope Should You Get?

• Go thermal if you want to spot coyotes fast, even in tough conditions.
• Go night vision if you’re hunting where there’s plenty of ambient light and you want more detail.
• Use both if you can swing it—it’s the best of both worlds.

Short answer: Thermal is better for detection. Night vision is better for detail.

If you’re serious about coyote hunting at night, investing in good optics makes all the difference. I’ve had nights where I wouldn’t have known a coyote was within 50 yards—until that thermal scope lit it up like a candle. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to up your game, choosing the right scope can be the key to success.

And hey, if you’ve got questions or want to know which models I’ve had luck with, drop a comment! I’m always happy to swap stories or offer some advice.

Best Thermals for Coyote Hunting

Want to spot coyotes in total darkness? A thermal scope makes it easy. Unlike night vision, which needs some light, thermal scopes detect heat. That means you can see coyotes no matter how dark or foggy it is.

Top Thermal Scopes for Coyote Hunting

Pulsar Thermion 2 XP50 Pro – Super clear image, detects up to 2,000 yards, and looks like a regular scope. Great for serious hunters.

ATN Thor 4 640 – Has a rangefinder, video recording, and custom reticles. Perfect for tech-savvy hunters.

Trijicon REAP-IR 35mm – Military-grade and built tough. Super clear imaging and easy to use. Best for hardcore hunters.

AGM Rattler TS35-384 – Affordable, lightweight, and reliable. A solid budget-friendly option.

Burris BTS 50 – Simple controls, smooth zoom, and color options. Great for beginners.

What to Look for in a Thermal Scope

Long Range – Pick one that spots heat at least 1,000 yards away.
Clear Image – Higher resolution = better detail. Look for 640×480 or 384×288.
Fast Refresh Rate – 50Hz keeps moving targets smooth and clear.
Good Battery Life – 8+ hours is ideal. Bring backups just in case.
Tough Build – Get a scope that’s waterproof and shockproof.

My Recommendation

I tried the Pulsar Thermion 2 XP50 Pro, and it’s next-level. One night, I saw a coyote over 1,500 yards away—long before it noticed me. It’s worth every penny.

Want a cheaper option? The AGM Rattler TS35-384 works great and won’t break the bank.

No matter what you pick, a thermal scope makes night hunting way easier. Happy hunting!

Practical Tips for Hunting Coyotes at Night

Hunting coyotes at night is a challenge, but with the right approach, you can be successful. Coyotes are smart, cautious, and built for the dark. If you want to spot them, track them, and take a clean shot, you need a solid plan. Here’s how to do it.

Find the Right Spot

Coyotes don’t roam just anywhere. They stick to places where they feel safe but can still see their surroundings.

Scout during the day – Look for tracks, droppings, or signs of prey.
Set up near food sources – Coyotes hunt small animals like rabbits and mice.
Watch water sources – They often stop for a drink at night.

Quick Tip: Hear coyotes howling? Wait a few minutes, then mimic their call. They might answer back and give away their location.

Use the Right Gear

You don’t need a ton of fancy equipment, but a few key tools will help you see and stay hidden.

Night vision or thermal scope – Coyotes see well in the dark, but these tools help you see even better.
Electronic caller – Imitate prey sounds to lure them in.
Camouflage & scent blocker – Coyotes have a sharp sense of smell.
Quiet rifle setup – A suppressor keeps shots from scaring off others.

My Experience: I used to rely on a spotlight, but switching to a thermal scope changed everything. Instead of just glowing eyes, I saw full coyote shapes moving through the grass.

Be Silent and Patient

Coyotes listen for danger before they move. If you’re loud or restless, they’ll disappear before you ever see them.

Walk quietly – Step lightly to avoid crunching leaves.
Call smart – Overcalling makes them suspicious. Use short, natural sounds.
Wait before shooting – If they’re coming in, don’t rush. Let them get close.

Quick Tip: If a coyote sees you but doesn’t run, stay still. If you don’t move, they might keep coming.

Understand Coyote Behavior at Night

Coyotes don’t act the same every night. Their habits change based on light, weather, and food.

Full moon – They rely more on their eyes, so they’re extra cautious.
Dark nights – They depend more on scent and sound.
Windy conditions – They move carefully, using their nose over their eyes.

Pro Tip: Always hunt with the wind in your face so your scent doesn’t reach them.

Stay Safe While Hunting at Night

Hunting in the dark is risky. Always put safety first.

Know your target – Never shoot at movement unless you’re sure it’s a coyote.
Mark your spot – Use GPS or trail markers to avoid getting lost.
Use a headlamp – Red or green lights help you see without spooking animals.
Tell someone where you are – Always let someone know your location.

Real Talk: One night, I followed fresh tracks deep into the woods, sure I was closing in on a coyote. But when I spotted movement, it wasn’t a coyote—it was a big bobcat. Good thing I had my flashlight to double-check before pulling the trigger.

Coyotes are smart, but you can outsmart them. Scout during the day, stay quiet, and use the right tools. The more you understand their behavior, the better your chances.

Last Tip: Don’t rush. Some of the best hunts are when you just sit back, listen to the wild, and learn from the coyotes themselves.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can coyotes see in total darkness?

Not really! Coyotes see well at night, but not in pitch black. They need some light—moonlight, starlight, or streetlights. Their eyes are great at using even tiny bits of light. If it’s too dark, they rely on their ears and nose instead.

Do coyotes use smell more than sight at night?

Yes! A coyote’s nose is way stronger than its eyes. They can smell food, danger, and even people from far away. Their night vision helps, but their sense of smell does most of the work. If it’s too dark to see, they sniff their way around.

What’s the best time to hunt coyotes?

Dawn and dusk! Coyotes are most active in the early morning and late evening. But if you’re hunting at night, try just after sunset or before sunrise. On bright moonlit nights, they’re extra careful since they can see better—and so can their prey!

Do thermal or night vision scopes help with coyote hunting?

Yes! Coyotes see well, but these tools see better. Night vision scopes make things clearer in the dark. Thermal scopes show heat, so you can spot coyotes even if they’re hiding. If you want the best advantage, a thermal scope is the way to go!

How far can a coyote hear or smell at night?

A long way! Coyotes hear tiny sounds from over a mile away—like a mouse in the grass. Their sense of smell is even stronger! If the wind is right, they can sniff out food or danger from miles away. That’s why hunters stay downwind—if a coyote smells you, it’s gone!

Coyotes are smart, fast, and built for the night. Whether you’re watching or hunting them, knowing how they use their senses will help you understand them better!

Conclusion

Coyotes are built for the night. Their eyes help them see in the dark, making them excellent hunters. They can’t see in total blackness, but with even a little light, they have a big advantage over humans. Their vision isn’t the same as night vision goggles, but it’s perfect for spotting movement and shadows.

I’ve seen this firsthand. One moment, the field looks empty. The next, a coyote appears, locked onto something I can’t even see. Their eyes, ears, and nose work together, making them one of nature’s smartest hunters.

If you’re a hunter, understanding coyote vision can help you. Using the right gear—like thermal scopes—can give you an edge. If you’re just watching, knowing how they see makes observing them even more exciting.

Have you ever seen a coyote at night? Share your stories in the comments! If you want to learn more, check out my other articles on coyote behavior and hunting tips.