I'm not a zoologist, but I've spent enough time in the woods that I think I can identify them.
A coyote-wolf hybrid has features of both coyotes and wolves. The predominant "coyote" feature I've seen is their elusiveness, while they are different than coyotes in that they live in packs. Coyotes are distinctively solitary animals, in my experience.
Ours are in packs. About ten years ago, a pack ran through our yard, with the largest male appearing to be about 60 pounds.
Maybe, though I’ve had a few trail cam pics that professionals call maybes, but probably not. And am aware of one “wolf” trapping case which fell apart after the defendant was able to get a DNA test of the “wolf”. You’re right though, though both are elusive, pack behavior would be a definite wolf giveaway. I’ve heard, not seen, “groups” of coyotes, but somewhat dispersed. They don’t hunt or socialize that way. Of course it’s still hard to get much of a look at either one, other than in urban areas.
Heck I’ve seen 3 yotes together...peeing on my mineral pile once.
I encountered one of these coming into a clearing in Eastern Ohio. I hesitated, wondering could it be a wolf, or someone’s really big German Shepherd. I later found out it was the new version coyote. Have since wished I shot it.
Folks consider regular coyotes to be pests and these things seem far worse.
I’ve seen packs of coyotes in North Mississippi.
Alberta’s Child, The other morning I woke, picked up my new pup, head out through the garage. Noticed out of that window what I figured was a very large dog. Very large!. Figured, ya know what, you can go here.
Told wife, she thought I had just woken up, it was a deer.
Is it possible these critters could be ( as a guess ) like, 130 lbs. plus?
Thanks!!!