Massive "coyote" shot in Newfoundland, Canada

CV32

CV32

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I post that title because that is how it is being reported, but suffice to say I hold plenty of skepticism that it is actually a coyote.

Even though our "eastern coyotes" are big (50-60 lbs is not unheard of, with 38 lbs about average for an adult male), and are known to have more than their fair share of wolf DNA in the lineage, this animal is exceptional.

For the sake of background, this animal was taken on or about March 12/12, near Halfway Pond on the island of Newfoundland. Note I said "island". This is important because we haven't had an indigenous wolf population here since the 1930s, when the Newfoundland wolf subspecies was completely extirpated.

There are wolves on the mainland, in Labrador, which is separated from the island by about 16 km of ocean. In winter, this strait is traditionally ice covered, and there would be no real obstacle to a wolf making the crossing. Still, with that being the case, this animal was taken at a place another 440 km away, straight line distance. More like 800 km if it stayed entirely on land while making the trek.

Local wildlife department will be conducting genetic testing and morphological measurements, but I will be very surprised if it doesn't come back 100% wolf, wolf-coyote hybrid, or wolf-malamute/husky-coyote hybrid, or the like.

But, in any event, I thought I would share:

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It's my understanding that canines and coyotes cannot breed due to being two separate species. And that "coydogs" coyote/canine dog crosses haven't been scientifically proven with any sort of DNA testing.

So, if coyotes and dogs can't/don't breed I wonder if it's possible for wolves and dogs to breed? Or wolves and coyotes?

84 pounds is [beeep] big. I wouldn't be surprised if it were just a wild dog - like a husky cross that got abandoned young.
 
If that is your understanding? I suggest more research on that subject.

Late 60's my Dad & I went to buy a coyote trailhound. Up by Aldin, Iowa. We looked at the hound & visited abit with the farmer. Then the farmer asked us if we wanted to see the large red coydog his daughter shot. Of course we said, yes.

Out in his garage hanging on a nail was it's pelt. Coydog weighed 75 lbs. Looked like a humongous Red Fox in coloration to me. You could tell it had a lot of coyote in it's bloodline. Due to it's tail & head mainly.

Although rare, hybrids are out there in the wild.
 
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That sure looks like wolf to me. What if someone transplanted some wolves from somewhere else? Not unheard of with certain agencies in the states. Don't know about up there.
 
That's a wolf.
I don't know about coyotes, but all wolves have a 3/4" black dot on the topside of the tail, aprox. 5" from the back.

Even black wolves will have a blacker dot in that spot.
 
Originally Posted By: kirbyIf that is your understanding? I suggest more research on that subject.

Late 60's my Dad & I went to buy a coyote trailhound. Up by Aldin, Iowa. We looked at the hound & visited abit with the farmer. Then the farmer asked us if we wanted to see the large red coydog his daughter shot. Of course we said, yes.

Out in his garage hanging on a nail was it's pelt. Coydog weighed 75 lbs. Looked like a humongous Red Fox in coloration to me. You could tell it had a lot of coyote in it's bloodline. Due to it's tail & head mainly.

Although rare, hybrids are out there in the wild. Is your opinion based solely on a pelt you saw fifty some years ago or do you have access to some sort of scientific research or proof that I've yet to uncover?
 
There's no doubt that there are hybrids out there. There was a 91 lb beast taken in Vermont five or six years ago. Pretty sure Vermont Fish & Game confirmed that one was a hybrid.
 
You can GOOGLE coyote or wolf hybrids & see some pictures. I'm not sure if anyone still breeds canine hybrids? or not. I suspect some still do.

Back in the 60's in Iowa. There were many people who bred wolves to dogs, coyotes to dogs & other canine hybrids.
These hybrids were sold on the open market in newspaper classifieds back then.

Now does this cross breeding occur between a wild canine & domestic dog. Void of man's intervention? I vote yes on that.

Because some coyotes & some domestic dogs. Do or will get along together (during breeding season). I've spoken with farmers who have seen this. I have also spoken with hunters whom have seen a dog running with a coyote or a group of coyotes.
 
I say it's 100% coyote. Of course that's just so I can out borkon...just kidding
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. That thing is wolf through and through. There may not be wolves on the island, but it sure looks like one died there.
 
I agree,thats no eastern coyote...Wolf for sure!!
I call that dog in,I may need to seek a change in underwear on the way home!!
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Assuming wolves are not legal game there....If I had shot that, I would have to give up coyote hunting. Because that would mean I did not properly identify my target. I sure as heck wouldn't pose for pictures with it. I would bet there are a few german shepards missing up that way too.

It may turn out to be a coyote I guess, but it still should not have been shot as if it were one.....that would be really bad judgement.

It reminds me of guys bringing juvenile swans into the check stations thinking they are geese.
 
Yeah I agree on the wolf answer. Had one show up behind the ranch a couple of years ago, looked just like the wolf in the mentioned thread. Long legs, big paws, big head, darker coloration, only reason it didn't die that day is because I second guessed myself because "they're ain't no wolves around here" and I didn't want to shoot a new neigbors dog. Dumb, should've of pulled the trigger and I would of had my first wolf without even trying.

ruger300
 
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