Next time I see a pack of wolves, Can I shoot one of the 10 and say that was the coyote part, not the wolf part? They make awfully nice coats.
Interesting article. I've noticed for many years our coyotes up here are larger and more heavily furred than "typical" coyotes from farther west. Had heard there was some Wolf hybridization, but never saw the data before. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for sharing that. The 'Urban Legand' is true. Great. I hope all I have to worry about is the smaller genetically untampered with coyote. May my suburban dream come true.
Great post...we have always thought our coyotes were bigger than what they show on tv hunts and thought that if they thought that was a nice trophy they really need to see what we have here!
Good post, OP! I've read numerous articles similar to this, as it's a worsening phenomenon. Some scientists think that the majority of native wolves in the US are not pure wolf. It is the reasoning behind obtaining Canadian Timber Wolves as an attempt to re-populate wolves in the West.
The only bad part is that these Timber Wolves are badder dudes than our native wolves ever were. Our deer and elk are pretty out-classed, which makes our local hunters pretty upset.
and answers a question I had about the (?) that was standing at the door to my chicken run a couple of mornings ago. it was still pretty dark, and I couldn't see it clearly... I thought at first it was a coyote, but it was *very* light bodied and long legged, with a rather long and VERY bushy tail. I thought - too tall for a fox, too light for a coyote, and look at that TAIL! wonder if they cross breed?
so, now I know they don't. must just be a young, light coyote, not fully mature yet. with an especially nice tail brush.