[hal0mega]

A cross between coyotes and wolves has been taking over in some areas of the United States.

Consisting of around 25% wolf DNA, 66% coyote DNA and the rest from domestic dogs, these unusual cross-breeds have been sighted with increasing regularity in several regions including in West Virginia and to the north of the Great Lakes.

Their presence stems from human hunting activity pushing wolf populations north and coyote populations east from the Great Plains, forcing both species together and enabling them to mate and produce hybrid offspring.

With an entirely new genetic make-up than either species when taken individually, these new coywolves are significantly larger than coyotes and possess strong wolf-like jaws.

Their wolf genes also give them an edge in taking down larger prey while their coyote genes help them to adapt to urban environments. They are also adept at hunting together in packs.

Sources.

http://www.unexplained-mysteries.com...-north-america

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...heast-U-S.html

[CaSe]

You know the domestic dogs didn't contribute their DNA willingly.

[CrunchyCripple]

They're all canines. If there's a bitch in heat(dog, coyote or wolf), a male of any of the three species will be attracted to her and will mate if given the opportunity.

Even though coyotes and wolves are enemies/rivals and coyotes eat dogs. They can and do interbreed willingly.

[FunkPumpkin]

We've already got coyotes walking the treelines around my house. That, and the Missouri Puma, keeps us from walking about after the sun is no longer visible in the sky.

I've yet to have to shoot one of either, but I doubt I'll have to shoot the puma. They are so extirpated that it's rare to even see one. In fact, when I'm sitting on my screened-porch and the coyote calls start to annoy me, I just bark like a big dog and they tend to avoid my zone.

The friggin' coyotes are so numerous, you only worry if one gets within 50-yds of you. Unless they're sick or starving, they're scared shitless of humans.

So if you prefer guns, a proven man-stopper round will stop a coyote. But if you're not into guns, bear spray works really, really well on most animals that size and smaller. Just make sure you're upwind before you unleash.

[winvens]

Originally Posted by FunkPumpkin ↗

We've already got coyotes walking the treelines around my house. That, and the Missouri Puma, keeps us from walking about after the sun is no longer visible in the sky.

I've yet to have to shoot one of either, but I doubt I'll have to shoot the puma. They are so extirpated that it's rare to even see one. In fact, when I'm sitting on my screened-porch and the coyote calls start to annoy me, I just bark like a big dog and they tend to avoid my zone.

The friggin' coyotes are so numerous, you only worry if one gets within 50-yds of you. Unless they're sick or starving, they're scared shitless of humans.

So if you prefer guns, a proven man-stopper round will stop a coyote. But if you're not into guns, bear spray works really, really well on most animals that size and smaller. Just make sure you're upwind before you unleash.

Interesting that dog calls shut 'em up. Will try that next time the ones around here bay their damn heads off.

[luciddrmr]

I'm sure they help with the deer population..my dogs got into with one of these. Almost killed her..they were unsure what she was.

[candice81]

We have these in our area right now, stealing dogs right off their leashes. Sad really, they are just trying to survive.