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Wolves, coyotes often confused
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| A coyote is seen in this photo. Many times, coyotes are mistaken for wolves. While wolves are protected by endangered species laws, coyotes are not. Photo provided |
By Hillary Gavan
Daily News staff writer
Hunters warned not to shoot protected wolves
“If there is any question in your mind, don't pull the trigger.”
That's what Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Regional Public Affairs Manager Greg Matthews said about shooting an animal that could be a wolf.
Although there haven't been recorded wolf sightings in Rock County since 2002, there are more of them creeping toward southern Wisconsin this year, and some hunters have mistaken them for coyotes. There have been several wolf sightings, for example, near Belleville and Fitchburg, Wis.
An increased number of wolf sightings in the southern third of the state has prompted conservation wardens to remind hunters, who are preparing for the gun deer season opening Saturday, to know the differences between the two animals.
Virtually all 11 counties that comprise the DNR's South Central Region have had confirmed wolf sightings. As the wolf population in northern Wisconsin increases, animals are naturally dispersing to other areas of the state with the intention of establishing new packs and territories.
“A fair amount of wolves have been mistaken for coyotes during recent gun deer seasons and especially now that wolves are back on the federal Endangered Species list, hunters need to be sure of what they are shooting at before pulling the trigger,” said Warden Supervisor Chuck Horn, Dodgeville.
Depending on the circumstances, a person found guilty of killing a protected species such as a gray wolf, even unintentionally, could pay a forfeiture of more than $4,000.
Anyone with a small game license can shoot a coyote, and sometimes wolves resemble coyotes, Matthews said.
Coyote season is open all year statewide, except in northern Wisconsin, north of Highway 64, where it closes for the 19 day period of the regular gun deer and muzzle loaders season.
There are some significant physical differences between Great Lakes area wolves and coyotes.
“Two key differences are, compared to a coyote, a wolf appears massive and very long legged while the coyote's ears are pointed and much larger in proportion to the size of its head,” Horn said. “As wolf numbers increase and challenges to the population are addressed down the road, hunters should be cautious and remember to be sure of their target.”
The opportunity to mistake a wolf for a coyote is unlikely in Rock County, but it could happen.
Typically wolves follow the Wisconsin River if they come south. If wolves travel south enough, they will usually get run over when they hit Interstate-90.
Wolf vs. Coyote
Attributes of wolves and coyotes include:
WolvesRarely less than 50 pounds
Height at shoulder 28-34 inches
Total length 59-66 inches
General massive, extremely long legged appearance
Ears - moderate sized, more round
Color is gray, but varies from black to white
Nose is block-like snout or muzzle
Coyotes
Rarely more than 45 pounds
Height at shoulder is 20-24 inches
Total length is 46-52 inches
Delicate, medium-sized, dog like proportions with fox-like face
Ears are large in proportion to head and pointed.
Color is usually gray but is varying shades of brown.
Nose is long and pointed.
“If there is any question in your mind, don't pull the trigger.”
That's what Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Regional Public Affairs Manager Greg Matthews said about shooting an animal that could be a wolf.
Although there haven't been recorded wolf sightings in Rock County since 2002, there are more of them creeping toward southern Wisconsin this year, and some hunters have mistaken them for coyotes. There have been several wolf sightings, for example, near Belleville and Fitchburg, Wis.
An increased number of wolf sightings in the southern third of the state has prompted conservation wardens to remind hunters, who are preparing for the gun deer season opening Saturday, to know the differences between the two animals.
Virtually all 11 counties that comprise the DNR's South Central Region have had confirmed wolf sightings. As the wolf population in northern Wisconsin increases, animals are naturally dispersing to other areas of the state with the intention of establishing new packs and territories.
“A fair amount of wolves have been mistaken for coyotes during recent gun deer seasons and especially now that wolves are back on the federal Endangered Species list, hunters need to be sure of what they are shooting at before pulling the trigger,” said Warden Supervisor Chuck Horn, Dodgeville.
Depending on the circumstances, a person found guilty of killing a protected species such as a gray wolf, even unintentionally, could pay a forfeiture of more than $4,000.
Anyone with a small game license can shoot a coyote, and sometimes wolves resemble coyotes, Matthews said.
Coyote season is open all year statewide, except in northern Wisconsin, north of Highway 64, where it closes for the 19 day period of the regular gun deer and muzzle loaders season.
There are some significant physical differences between Great Lakes area wolves and coyotes.
“Two key differences are, compared to a coyote, a wolf appears massive and very long legged while the coyote's ears are pointed and much larger in proportion to the size of its head,” Horn said. “As wolf numbers increase and challenges to the population are addressed down the road, hunters should be cautious and remember to be sure of their target.”
The opportunity to mistake a wolf for a coyote is unlikely in Rock County, but it could happen.
Typically wolves follow the Wisconsin River if they come south. If wolves travel south enough, they will usually get run over when they hit Interstate-90.
Wolf vs. Coyote
Attributes of wolves and coyotes include:
Wolves
Coyotes
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