Advice from ID fish and game

[Emily]

on how to tell apart dogs, wolves, and coyotes! As reported by the local NBC tv station in Pocatello. ps F&G wants to know if you've even SEEN a wolf in their state...

http://www.kpvi.com/Global/story.asp?S= ... =menu546_1

Reporter: Tammy Scardino
Underlying Differences Between Wolves, Coyotes and Dogs
Posted: April 15, 2008 11:32 PM
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Underlying Differences Between Wolves, Coyotes and Dogs



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Now that wolves are no longer federally protected, the rules and regulations on their hunting requirements will soon be released.

As hunters plan their trips, they may want to make sure they know exactly what they're aiming at.

There is a big difference between big game animals and those that are classified as predators. Having a hunting license is one thing, but accidentally shooting a family dog mistaken for a wolf is another.

Another animal that plays a role in the possible confusion - coyotes. The rate of that happening is actually higher, since about 50,000 coyotes thrive in Idaho compared to 730 wolves.

As a predator, coyotes can be shot and killed at any time as long as you have a hunting license. For big game animals like elk, mule deer and soon to be wolves - a tag is required along with a specified hunting season.

According to Fish and Game officials, coyotes have been in Idaho for as long as people have, but a full-grown coyote could easily be mistaken for a immature wolf if you're not familiar with their characteristics.

Adult wolves are a couple feet longer and about a foot taller on average than a coyote, wolves also by far outweigh them. One of the best indicators, besides size and their footprint, is their face shape. Coyotes are not as commonly mistaken for a fox based on color alone, but their face shape is very similar.

The way the animals walk can be an indicator as well.

Jennifer Jackson, Idaho Fish and Game: "Wolves have a real typical, low-profile gait when they walk or when they move and not to say that coyotes don't have that too, but there's a real typical look to a wolf when it's moving through the landscape."

As for telling the difference between wolves and dogs with varying colors from pale gray to black, wolves carry their tails straight out, parallel to the ground when they move. Dogs may carry their tail straight up in the air, even wagging if they're happy.

If you do happen to find that a wolf is a threat to you or your animals, and you're sure it's not a domesticated dog - you do have a right to shoot and even kill the animal.... Although Jackson says to keep this in mind.

Jennifer Jackson, Idaho Fish and Game: "If you find out you've shot a wolf, you must report it to the Fish and Game within 72 hours. Do not disturb the scene, leave the animals where they're at and then we can come out and do an investigation."

Also to mention, it is springtime which means deer and other wildlife are coming down from the mountains.

Recent roadkill spottings to be aware of include: all along Highway 30, near the Fish Creek Summit, on I-86 - near the Massacre Rocks State Park, the Red Rock Pass on I-91, Portneuf Road and the Bannock Highway. Fish and game is still working to get this information on their website.

What is on their website at www.fishandgame.idaho.gov is a plethora of information on wolves.

If you happen to spot one, the Fish and Game Department would appreciate it if you'd let them know so they can further document the packs' patterns and movement in our state.