Many wonder if wild wolves still roam New Jersey’s forests and wilderness areas. This question often arises from sightings of large canids or curiosity about the state’s natural history.
The Definitive Answer
Wild wolf populations are not currently found in New Jersey. These large canids were extirpated from the state, meaning they were locally driven to extinction within its borders. This disappearance was primarily due to habitat destruction and intensive hunting pressures. The last wild wolf in New Jersey was reportedly killed around 1850. Their absence reflects a broader pattern across many eastern states where large predators were systematically removed.
A Look Back: Wolves in New Jersey’s Past
Historically, wolves were a natural component of New Jersey’s ecosystems, present throughout the state before European colonization. The species native to the region was likely the Eastern Wolf (Canis lycaon) or a subspecies of the Gray Wolf (Canis lupus). These wolves played a role in maintaining the balance of prey populations, such as deer and elk.
As colonial settlements expanded in the 17th and 18th centuries, wolves were increasingly viewed as threats to livestock and human livelihoods. This perception led to widespread efforts to eliminate them, including the implementation of bounties. Records indicate that bounties were offered for wolf pelts beginning in the late 1600s, incentivizing their eradication. This sustained pressure, combined with the clearing of forests for agriculture and development, rapidly reduced wolf numbers.
What You Might Be Seeing: Coyotes and Hybrids
While wolves are absent, New Jersey is home to other large canids that are often mistaken for them. The most common of these is the Eastern Coyote (Canis latrans), which has successfully expanded its range into the state over the last century. Eastern Coyotes are larger than their western counterparts due to interbreeding with wolves and domestic dogs as they migrated eastward. They are adaptable animals, found in various habitats from dense forests to suburban areas.
Some of the large canids seen in New Jersey may also be coyote-wolf hybrids, sometimes referred to as “coywolves.” These animals are a result of historical hybridization between Western Coyotes, Eastern Wolves, and Gray Wolves, particularly in the Great Lakes region. These hybrids possess a mix of genetic traits, contributing to their larger size compared to pure coyotes.
Distinguishing Features
Differentiating between coyotes, hybrids, and true wolves involves observing several key physical characteristics.
Eastern Coyotes
Eastern Coyotes typically weigh between 25 and 45 pounds, standing about 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder. They have relatively pointed ears, a slender muzzle, and a bushy tail often carried low. Their coat color can vary, but it commonly includes shades of gray, brown, and reddish-brown, often with lighter undersides.
Coyote-Wolf Hybrids
Coyote-wolf hybrids, or coywolves, tend to be larger than pure coyotes, weighing between 35 and 60 pounds and standing slightly taller. They may exhibit a more wolf-like appearance with broader heads and shorter, rounder ears than a typical coyote. Their tails might be thicker and held higher than a coyote’s.
True Wolves
True wolves, by comparison, are significantly larger, often weighing 60 to 100 pounds or more, with broad paws, robust builds, and a wider, more rounded snout. Their vocalizations also differ; coyotes have high-pitched yips and howls, while wolves produce deeper, more resonant howls.