Dispelling myths about the origins of wolf–coyote hybrids and related Canis species in Ontario

Authors

  • Tyler Wheeldon Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
  • Brent Patterson Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22621/cfn.v136i2.2853

Keywords:

wolf-coyote hybrids, Algonquin Wolf, Eastern Coyote, captive colonies, controlled breeding experiments, Eastern Wolf

Abstract

Long-standing myths exist about the origins of wolf–coyote hybrids and related Canis species in Ontario. Specifically, there is a perceived controversy whether they are the product of natural hybridization that occurred between wolves and coyotes in the wild during the last century or the descendants of animals that escaped or were released from captive colonies or controlled breeding experiments. We review the relevant evidence and conclude that captive colonies and controlled breeding experiments were unlikely to have played any role in the origins of wolf–coyote hybrids and related Canis species in Ontario.

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Published

2022-11-07

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Section

Articles