Coyote or wolf?

[msdznyduck]

Does anyone know the difference in appearance? We have 'something' sleeping under our tree out back, and I think it looks like a coyote. We haven't heard any howling, and this is the first time we've seen it. I took pictures of it with DD's digital camera, but since I am technologically challenged, I can't post a picture of it, maybe if someone saw it they would know.

 

[poohbear1029]

This is a coyote: http://tipt3.utoledo.edu/starters/coyote/coyote2a.jpg

 

[poohbear1029]

This is a wolf: http://www.evergreen.edu/library/govdocs/photogallery/usa/montana/wolf.jpg

 

[msdznyduck]

Looks more like a coyote......longer legs, and thinner than wolf
thanks

 

[TheOtherVillainess]

Could you possibly describe the appearance of the creature?

Coyotes are typically smaller,the size of a medium-sized dog. Their coat tends to be brownish with hints of gold,black or even white. They have pointed ears and long,fox-like muzzles.

Wolves,on the other hand, are larger. Think the size of a good-sized German Shepard. They tend to be shades of grey with white,black or even reddish-brown on occassion. Their muzzles are less pointed and more rounded, as are their ears. They have large 'ruffs' around the neck and shoulder area.

Whatever it is, I would seriously suggest calling animal control and asking what you can do about it. I hope it's a wolf and not a coyote. Wolves tend to be moved to safer areas for them, since they are on the brink of extinction. Coyotes are seen as PITAs, and are usually (sadly)shot on site or put down.

TOV

 

[DawnCt1]

Wolves are definately prettier than coyotes.

 

[poohbear1029]

Looks more like a coyote......longer legs, and thinner than wolf
thanks

That's what I suspected. They had a lot of them in Central mass when I lived there. I would try to discourage his bedding down there...and if you have small animals, watch them outside.

Coyotes prowl during the day and come back to hunt at night....but there were stories of coyotes attacking pets in daylight in the suburbs!

Maybe call animal control in your town and find out if they have any suggestions for your to discourage his residence!

 

[Fanci]

wild animals in the backyard

 

[Alice's Mom]

I work in a rental office of an apartment complex and one day I receive a call from one of our tenants who is not originally from the US. He called in a panic that a black striped coyote just climbed the tree on his patio, I tried to calm him down explaining that it is impossible, coyotes are dogs and can't climb a tree. He insisted he was in danger because the coyote was on the roof. I had him describe exactly what he saw...I realized he was talking about a raccoon!

 

[ducklite]

Maybe it's Bigfoot?

Sorry--had to.


I'd let your neighbors know there's something in the area so they can make sure their cats and dogs are in. I think I'd also call animal control unless you really live out in the country. THey can tranquelize it and take it back into a less populated area which would be safer for everyone concerned.

Anne

PS--if you want to e-mail me the photo I can slap it up on my web site right away for you. ducklite @ aol.com

 

[TheOtherVillainess]

Raccoons can be just as dangerous though. DH and I lived in an apt complex that backed up to a wooded area when we were first married. We were getting ready to leave on our honeymoon trip to WDW and DH went to take the trash out to the dumpster. The bag had broken,so he was going to take the entire can.

As he went to dump the trash into the dumpster, he saw a raccoon inside growling and making dangerous-looking movements at him,so he dropped the can and hightailed it back to the apt. I asked him where the can was and I just about died when he told me a raccoon made him drop it in the dumpster.

 

[ducklite]

Raccoons can be just as dangerous though. DH and I lived in an apt complex that backed up to a wooded area when we were first married. We were getting ready to leave on our honeymoon trip to WDW and DH went to take the trash out to the dumpster. The bag had broken,so he was going to take the entire can.

As he went to dump the trash into the dumpster, he saw a raccoon inside growling and making dangerous-looking movements at him,so he dropped the can and hightailed it back to the apt. I asked him where the can was and I just about died when he told me a raccoon made him drop it in the dumpster.

Anne

 

[TheOtherVillainess]

MTE.

TOV

 

[Fanci]

Raccoons can be just as dangerous though. DH and I lived in an apt complex that backed up to a wooded area when we were first married. We were getting ready to leave on our honeymoon trip to WDW and DH went to take the trash out to the dumpster. The bag had broken,so he was going to take the entire can.

As he went to dump the trash into the dumpster, he saw a raccoon inside growling and making dangerous-looking movements at him,so he dropped the can and hightailed it back to the apt. I asked him where the can was and I just about died when he told me a raccoon made him drop it in the dumpster.

omg too funny

 

[msdznyduck]

It is definatly larger than a medium sized dog, but looks more like the picture of the coyote.

 

[msdznyduck]

wild animals in the backyard

Yeah, in a quiet development in NJ........

 

[ducklite]

Yeah, in a quiet development in NJ........

Definitely call animal control they can get in touch with Fish & Game. It could be sick--there are a lot of issues with rabies in that area.

Anne

 

[msdznyduck]

PS--if you want to e-mail me the photo I can slap it up on my web site right away for you. ducklite @ aol.com

thanks, will try in a few min.

 

[HugsForEeyore]

It could very well be a coyote. I live in North Central NJ, and we have them here! I know of a couple of areas in town where coyotes have been spotted.

 

[Tiggeroo]

North Jersey has both coyotes and wolves so it could be either. I've seen both in Illinois while I lived there.