“Scientists already knew that some coyotes, which have been gradually expanding their range eastward, mated with wolves in the Great Lakes (map) region. The pairings created viable hybrid offspring—identified by their DNA and skulls—that have been found in mid-Atlantic states such as New York and Pennsylvania.”
“But other East Coast hybrids seen alive or identified by their remains are noticeably larger, with more wolf-like skulls, jaws, and teeth, Bozarth noted. (See pictures of new hybrid species appearing in the warming Arctic.)
Given this, coyote-wolf hybrids “should be able to do things like take down deer, which a little, scrappy Great Plains wily coyote would not be able to do on its own,” Bozarth said.”
“Do wolves in Michigan hybridize with dogs or coyotes?
Wolves and dogs will hybridize in captivity, and wolf-dog hybrids appear to be more aggressive and dangerous to humans, dogs and livestock.
The eastern wolf and coyote share a relatively recent common ancestor, and are thus more similar to each other than to gray wolves. Eastern wolves and coyotes have hybridized in eastern Ontario and New England, but this rarely occurs in the upper Great Lakes. Some researchers suggest that the eastern wolf genes are actually coyote genes.”
” The eastern wolf is a close relative of the coyote (Canis latrans), and the two species are genetically similar. Some researchers reject the existence of an eastern wolf. They insist that the genetic combinations found in eastern wolves are the result of hybridization of gray wolves and coyotes. Wolf conservation cannot be put on hold until scientific consensus is reached. After reviewing the science, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Michigan DNR are treating the status as if there are two species and their hybrids. We will continue to review the latest scientific information, and manage wolves in Michigan accordingly.”
The DNR doesn’t want to admit that the ‘coyotes’ in southern MI are wolf/coyote hybrids, and eastern wolves.
Southern MI ‘coyotes’ weigh up to 60-70 lbs and they run in packs. We need to put the bounty back on them!
While they might pursue mice and smaller game singly, they go after larger game as a cooperative effort, much like the horse in the article. Any herd animal caught separated, injured, or ill is a target. That includes livestock.