Eastern coyotes, those beautiful, powerful wild dogs exploring the wilds of Eastern Canada and the U.S., are a familiar sight to many naturalists and ecologists. Many people in residential neighborhoods have also spotted them running in packs around the borders of their communities. The population of the animal exploded in recent years, with the latest counts numbering in the millions. 

As the population expands, concern grows for the species. Wildlife expansion is usually a good thing for any species, especially with so many animals on the verge of extinction, however there is a danger to this particular animal’s growth. As the population develops, the mammals expand their existing territories. Unfortunately, territory expansion often results in the migration into human neighbourhoods, which are often dangerous for any wildlife. 

The eastern coyote is especially unique because it represents modern evolution. Despite the name or familiar moniker, the eastern coyote is not a coyote at all, but a hybrid species. This species is a mix of a wolf and coyote – a coywolf. However, one could not be faulted for mistaking the large canine. 

What Are Coywolves?

 The creation of the coywolf results from unlikely breeding and evolution of the two species that share common geographical spaces and behavioral patterns.. 

Wolves and coyotes are typically seen as competitors in the wild and violent ones at that. The recorded confrontations between the canine species would indicate profound intolerance, yet somehow, the coyote and wolf mated. The species also contains pieces of domesticated dogs. It is an odd combination, but it exists nonetheless. 

When looking at a coyote, wolf, and coywolf side-by-side, it can be very hard to tell them apart. There are a couple of differences, primarily size. The coywolf is larger than a coyote and smaller than a wolf. Beyond the size, the coywolf strongly resembles the coyote. 

The animal has been spotted in local neighbourhoods and at city borders in recent years. It is crucial to remember these are wild animals. While they are gorgeous, keep your distance, and be sure to contact your local humane wildlife control. 

Where Are Coywolves Found?

When discussing wildlife in communities, the coywolf is still a relatively rare sighting. The unique species can be  found all over Eastern Canada and the U.S., but it tends to stick to the forests, away from civilization.  Their close relative, the coyote, has spent more time becoming accustomed to urban environments and is more likely to be seen by people in their communities than a coywolf.

While coywolves prefer the woods, they will make their way into neighbourhoods when it is beneficial. As with other animal species, the coywolf goes where food sources are abundant. 

Like their coyote counterparts, Coywolves can be found scavenging through the rubbish. If you live close to a wooded area, you are more likely than others to see this fascinating species. Still, being wild animals, coywolves are likely to stay away from people, and you should take the hint by always maintaining your distance. 

Wildlife is always searching for food sources and shelter; sometimes, human communities provide sufficient supplies for each. Therefore, it is not unusual to experience wildlife sightings in developed areas, even when the wildlife is as unique as the coywolf. 

Due to the nature of the species, it is unpredictable and potentially dangerous if approached. The coywolf can also be dangerous to domesticated animals, like cats and dogs. If you see a coywolf in your neighbourhood, bring your pets inside and call a professional and humane control service. 

Have you recently seen a coywolf in your city? If so, contact your local humane wildlife control, this provides them with more information about the species populations and where they can be found. While coywolf like to keep their distance from us, many wildlife species feel right at home in our communities. If you suspect you have wildlife on your property, contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control to schedule a property assessment. The company will send a wildlife technician to the scene as soon as possible.