Dave@wolfwatcher.com

The Western Coyotes first migrated North through Canada before mating with the RED WOLVES – (which were originally common in the SOUTHEAST STATES before extermination – but now being reintroduced. Afterwhich, they found naturally occurring in ALGONQUIN PARK/ ONTARIO) – then those hybrids (obviously competing for shrinking territories) migrated South into NEW ENGLAND – hence, why all the Coyote here are RED WOLF HYBRIDS or COYWOLVES.

VERY RARELY will you ever find a WESTERN TIMBER WOLF in New England, but people may actually be seeing EASTERN TIMBER WOLVES, which were part of a re-release program quite some years ago in the ADIRONDACK MOUNTAINS. You are correct, in the wolves typically need anywhere from a 50-100 SQUARE MILES per pack/ territory – whereas the Coyote/Wolf Hybrids have adapted (as most Coyotes do) and need only 7-12 SQUARE MILES per pack territory – depending on the food & water resources available to them.

PEOPLE SHOULD ALSO KNOW THAT BLACK CANIDS IN NEW ENGLAND – are not usually wolves (though the pair I ‘had’ were most definitely wolves – and with the black phase at almost 100 lbs, was a WESTERN TIMBER WOLF – whether it migrated from the West through Canada to get here or another new hybrid – I & the CT DEP are still trying to figure out before they disappeared), but the BLACK PHASE IS ALSO COMMON TO COYOTES! It may not be all that common, but there are indeed BLACK PHASED COYOTES in existence – mine was not.

There are several factors – other than weight- to take into consideration when trying to determine a Coyote vs. Wolf, including tracks – in which overall foot size, pad shape, size in comparison, and also the proximity of ‘toe prints’ to other ‘toe prints’ can define a wolf from a coyote. Also the fullness of the face ‘tufts’, carriage of the tail, gait, how slender vs. broad different physical attributes are, as well as vocalizations **are most important as well.

It would do a lot of good for people to try to familiarize themselves with actual physical characteristics – and there is a wealth of information (and pictures/ examples, etc.) as long as you can find a valid website – usually with more biological informaiton (vs. some ‘hunter’s website’)

While there is no doubt that there are wolves in New England, the question remains (especially for the DEP) whether there are any ‘breeding pairs’ or even actual packs that have formed. While I personally have had the CT DEP admit that there truly are wolves in CT (at least), many of them may be hybrids (dog/ wolf) that were once people’s pet (now illegal) that were in turn released into the wild. The issue remains for them, that they can only confirm ‘individual’ animals and have not yet found any reports of – as I said- breeding pairs or actual packs larger than the two/ pair. Hybrids will also chase down deer with no problem (most are Western wolf hybrids), and even a good sized Coyote will give chase (I have one Coyote/ Red Wolf hybrid) from last year’s litter that is a good 50-60 lbs – which is absolutely HUGE for a N.E. Coyote (hybrid). Most average between 25-40 lbs at best, and they are quite ‘chatty’ – compared especially to full blood wolves (which have quite different vocalizations that are more ‘bellow’-ish, deep, direct w/ limited barks/ no yip yap like Coyotes).

So yes, there are wolves here – just a matter of what kind, whether they were released as once owned pets, or even part of a reintroduction program – such as that in the Adirondacks (Eastern Timber Wolves – also much smaller than their Western counterparts), some years ago OR the all too common Coyote/Red Wolf Hybrids that everyone mistakes for ‘just Coyotes’ (that were genetically/ DNA tested positive for Red Wolf – only).

Again, to those unaware, there is PLENTY of still pristine / viable land throughout New England capable of supporting actual wolves (as they are much more shy of humans than the Coyote hybrids. I for one, living in the southern part of the Litchfield Hills – which go on for ever (& includes the Appalachain Trail for quite some span – how many states? Virginia thru Maine?), and w/ the over 400 acres of versatile farm/ grass/ scrub/ woodland abutting our property w/ a wealth of viable resources – running water/ brooks/ streams/ resevoirs and food sources – deer, rabbits, raccoons, opposum, etc. etc. – and plenty of steep hillsides to easily hide/ dig dens out of, it really isn’t that far fetched for wolves to be in/ near Danbury. I’m only 2 towns up & the lake running all the way through to Sherman, rolling hills & moutains
all the way down to my old neighborhood – still untouched woodland (where I used to ride my horse up mountain trails) . . . .

The people who wrote this original article haven’t really done much research as far as I’m concerned . . . . if you’re ever up for actually seeing this wildlife for yourself, my door is always open

So basically in New England there are many people reporting wolf sightings, and they are not far off. Typically the wolf needs 50-100 miles of forest to survive, and that is where you are going to normally find them. Wolves living in a densely wooded area are also not likely to be seen very often, so long as there is an adequate food supply such as deer. Rick McIntyre(YWP) spent fifteen years in Alaska and never saw a wolf, but now he is in Yellowstone and has seen wolves every singe day for over ten years. So a lot depends on the geographical makeup as to whether you might see a wolf, or a coywolf, but at the same time they are very likely there.

Feel free to contact me at Dave@wolfwatcher .com
http://www.wolfwatcher.com
I am at present in Rhode Island

As many people are not aware, the Eastern Coyotes found in our State of CT (as well as NY, MA, etc.) have genetically (DNA) tested positive as RED WOLF HYBRIDS. This is the reason why they are so much larger than their Western (original) counterparts. Initially, it was the Western Coyote that migrated into the Midwest and eventually made their way up North into Canada – where they bred with the Red Wolf – before making their way across and back down into the Northeastern States. While they certainly are larger (avg. weight 30-40 lbs, sometimes slightly more), people definitely need to make sure they are not getting confused with what are potentially WOLF sightings. THIS is one reason why CT DEP tends to disregard people so often, as they could occasionally be mistaken. With my original Eastern Coyote pack dwindled down now to only 2 remaining offspring, I have to say that there is a male Coyote that is incredibly large for a Coyote – averaging around 55-60 lbs easily. But there is no mistaking that he is a Coyotes, with typical long, skinny legs, flatter skull transitioning into his muzzle, with a typical bouncy gait and is extremely skittish. While he hasn’t yet shed his winter coat (e.g. blown coat) yet, his appearance can be on the bulkier side & is the typical mix of gray, tan, white & black coloring. Their vocalizations are also the typical yip, yap & howling is much higher pitched with a distinct drop off at the end (calling other members of the pack). I could see how he might be confused with a wolf by some people, but our other resident could never be . . .

In speaking at length (& several times) with my guy at DEP, we are in the process of deciding exactly how this Timber Wolf came to be here in our State. Apparently the (color) phase of this solid black wolf is NOT common to the Eastern Timber Wolf, but more so, of the WESTERN Timber Wolf (and many of Northern Canada). Though CT DEP has admitted (at least to me) that they are FULLY AWARE OF WOLVES IN CT, they are not as concerned since they haven’t been able to identify ‘mating pairs’ of wolves, as much as they are aware of individuals. It is only when a mating pair can be positively identified, that I believe they will take notice – as this is a situation in which an actual PACK OF WOLVES can evolve and begin to claim territory – as well as hunting larger game on a regular basis (as well as be a possible concern for humans and/or livestock, etc.)

While we are still rying to figure out the origin of this huge 85-90+ lb. BLACK Timber Wolf, one possibility was raised by DEP as to whether it was a possible HYBRID that someone released – since that ‘phase’ is not common of the Eastern Wolf or whether it has taken the same migration route as the Eastern Coyotes – especially since I have confirmed a PAIR and not just an individual animal. Though it is unlikely that Western Timber Wolves made their way to CT from Wisconsin (via Canada), it isn’t impossible either. In many studies on the Yellowstone Western Timber Wolves (Timber Wolf & Gray Wolf are the same animal), they have found many individual pack members that have dispersed from the pack – up to 300 miles away from their original location, though they rarely do travel that far (considering there aren’t many routes available to avoid humans, roads, etc. as well as encountering the danger of travelling through other packs territories).

The exact origin of the pair of wolves I have here, may never be known. In the case of a wolf hybrid that was released by its owner, which many sightings may also be – esp. now that it is illegal in most States to own one, I have thought of a little trick that ‘might’ work to determine just that. & impatiently waiting for the next close up encounter I have with my Black Timber Wolf – to barck out the command ‘sit’. My belief is, should it have ever been owned (e.g. tamed), the most important command it would’ve ever been taught would be to sit. My thought premise is that if it was ever domesticated, I should have some type of response – whether it actually sits or not – if it is wild, it won’t make a bit of difference, as WOLVES, while they do not care to be near humans – WILL NOT BE SKITTISH OR RUN LIKE COYOTES, BUT WILL USUALLY STAND THEIR GROUND (important for everyone to note).

WHAT PEOPLE NEED TO DO WHEN SIGHTING what they believe to be a Timber/ Gray Wolf, is to document it as best they can. Make sure to get a picture of the animal, or even better, a video – to offer as proof when contacting the DEP. It will give them the opportunity to examine the animal characteristics, from appearance to gait, in order to correctly/ positively identify the animal. It will also serve to prove the existence to any naysayers as well.

As a last note, people need to remember what I stated above – as WOLVES do not act the same as the Coyote/ Red Wolf Hybrids here in the Northeast. While Wolves will avoid humans as much as possible, THEY ARE NOT SKITTISH LIKE COYOTE HYBRIDS here, and will not normally run away at the first sight. WOLVES WILL STAND THEIR GROUND – as they are top predators (and most in Today’s worlds are not familar with the history/ danger associated w/ man – as they are FEDERALLY PROTECTED AS AN ENDANGERED SPECIES & IT IS FEDERALLY ILLEGAL TO SHOOT ANY WOLF AND/OR POSSES SUCH A WOLF PELT FOR ANY REASON) I believe each offense has a fine of $100,000 and possible mandatory jail time as well).

Also, if you do encounter a wolf at closer range – DO NOT EVER TURN YOUR BACK & DO NOT EVER EVER RUN. Always STAND YOUR GROUND & DO NOT STARE (as this is a direct threat for most every animal, especially Canids – even their direct sub-species, the domestic dog). I would highly suggest that while you stand there, look slightly off to the side & if you can remember, visibly YAWN. Any Canid will read this action as you are not a threat/ mean no harm, but you are not a pushover either & will not be regarded as ‘prey’ (which is ANYTHING that runs away). The act of yawning is usually perceived as a diffusing a tense situation – as though you do not acknowledge their presence as a threat (much like you have better things to do than cave into their threats). Any Canid should subsequently walk off/ away on their own, at which you should wait a few minutes before you leave – walking ‘backwards’ for a little while first (as they may walk off, but may also still be watching). Always remember to stay as calm as possible as well (think of something non-relative, maybe what you had for breakfast or dinner the night before).