New Jersey’s diverse ecosystems are home to a variety of wildlife, sparking curiosity about the animals inhabiting its landscapes. Among the most frequent inquiries is whether wild wolves roam the state’s forests and fields. Understanding the presence of large canids in New Jersey involves exploring both historical ecological shifts and the characteristics of species currently found here.
Wolves in New Jersey Today
Wild wolf populations do not exist in New Jersey. The Eastern wolf (Canis lupus lycaon) was extirpated from the state over a century ago.
New Jersey’s Historical Wolf Population
Historically, wolves were native to New Jersey and played an important role in the state’s ecosystem. These Eastern wolves once roamed extensively across New Jersey’s vast forests and coastal plains, helping to control populations of deer and other prey animals. However, their presence began to decline significantly with the expansion of European settlements.
Factors leading to their extirpation included extensive deforestation for agriculture and urban development, which resulted in substantial habitat loss. Unregulated hunting, trapping, and deliberate eradication efforts, such as a 15-shilling bounty on each wolf killed as early as 1675, also contributed to their disappearance. By the late 1800s, wolves were effectively eliminated from the wild in New Jersey.
Identifying Large Canids in New Jersey
Many sightings of what people believe to be wolves in New Jersey are often misidentifications of other large canids that are present in the state. Coyotes (Canis latrans) are widespread and found in nearly every municipality across New Jersey’s 21 counties. These animals resemble a small German shepherd with a long snout and a bushy, black-tipped tail that is often held below a horizontal position. Adult eastern coyotes in New Jersey weigh between 20 and 50 pounds, with some individuals reaching up to 55 pounds.
Eastern coyotes are sometimes referred to as coywolves, reflecting their genetic makeup which includes DNA from western coyotes, eastern wolves, and domestic dogs. Genetic research indicates they can have 60-84% coyote DNA, 8-25% wolf DNA, and 8-11% domestic dog DNA. While larger than typical coyotes, coywolves are still considerably smaller than pure wolves, which can weigh 70-150 pounds.
Another source of confusion comes from wolf-dog hybrids, which are domesticated animals with recent wolf lineage. Some individuals may own these hybrids, which can occasionally escape or be abandoned. Distinguishing characteristics for true wolves include a larger overall size, a broader snout, and more rounded ears compared to the narrower face and taller, more pointed ears of coyotes. The tail of a coyote is typically bushy with a black tip and held low, while a wolf’s tail can be carried higher.
Encountering Large Canids
Encountering a large canid in New Jersey, such as a coyote or coywolf, requires observing the animal from a distance. It is important to avoid approaching the animal and never attempt to feed it, as this can lead to habituation and potential conflicts. If a canid does not retreat upon seeing a person, making loud noises or throwing inedible objects in its direction can help deter it.
Should an animal appear sick, injured, or exhibit unusual or aggressive behavior, contact the appropriate authorities. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Fish and Wildlife division can be reached during normal business hours at 908-735-8793. For incidents outside of normal business hours or for immediate concerns, the DEP Hotline is available 24/7 at 877-WARN-DEP (877-927-6337).