Red Wolf (Canis rufus)

(Photo by: Earth First!)

The Red Wolf (Canis rufus)

By 1970, this canid was driven to the brink of extinction, and it was at this time, that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service gathered the last 14 red wolves remaining in the southeastern United States. These 14 individuals made it possible for Canis rufus to become the first species to be reintroduced after being declared virtually extinct in the wild. Though the reintroduction was considered a great success, the red wolf is considered critically endangered today, with only 75-100 individuals remaining in North Carolina. 

The red wolf is smaller than a gray wolf (Canis lupus) but a bit larger than the coyote (Canis latrans), weighing in on average at about 45-80 lbs. Red wolves are technically carnivores, but they are able to survive on a variety of prey/food items. Berries, insects, smaller mammals such as raccoon, rodents, and even mid sized ungulates like white tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are all on the menu for these canids. 

The historical range of Canis rufus extended from Texas to as far north as Pennsylvania. As mentioned above, only a small population of red wolves can now be found in North Carolina. Typically, red wolves prefer forested areas, prairies, or even swamps. 

Red wolves are primarily nocturnal are able to communicate with the rest of the pack using facial expressions, body postures, and vocalizations (howling, yipping, etc.). They are able thrive as solitary predators, but like other canids, they will also hunt in packs. Typically, the size of the pack and/or litter size is dependent on prey availability. 

Links: 

Red Wolf

Red Wolf - basic facts

Red Wolf Recovery Program

Coyote (Canis latrans)

Got some cool shots of a local Coyote on our trail camera!

Parkersburg, West Virginia December 17, 2015, 1:57 am

Coyote (Canis latrans)

http://www.stpete.org/emergency/living_with_wildlife/coyote.php

Coyote (Canis latrans)

Native to North America, coyotes are often found roaming through mountains, forests, plains, and deserts. Though, the coyote’s stunning adaptability combined with its loss of wild habitat, has caused this canid to take residence in urban communities across the United States. Coyotes are considered to be mesopredators, though many researchers believe them to be omnivores or generalists. They feed primarily on rodents, small animals such as rabbits, feral cats, and the fawns of various ungulate species. Coyotes also enjoy consuming vegetation, fruit, and insects. Though, as they have continued to move into more urban habitats, coyotes have developed a taste for discarded food and, at times, domestic pets. 

Often and unfortunately mistaken for wolves (Canis lupus), Canis latrans typically have light colored coats that can be a mix of tans, greys, and blacks. Coyotes have erect and pointed ears. Their heads are rather long and their snouts are also distinctly pointed. Adult coyotes have a similar build to medium sized domestic dogs with weights ranging from about 25 to 45 lbs (11 to 20kg). 

Known as America’s “Song Dogs”, coyotes produce a wide range of vocalizations. From short yips and barks to high pitched howls and calls, the coyote’s method of communication is something of magnificence. These canids are often solitary hunters, but have been known to hunt as small units. Similar to wolves and other canid species, coyotes form powerful family bonds, with both parents fiercely protecting their young and territories. 

Coyotes are typically considered to be dangerous and intolerable pests throughout many communities. Unfortunately, they have been long relentlessly misunderstood and feared by humans. In most regions within the United States, it is legal to harvest coyotes year around, and they are often the main trophy in wildlife killing contests. 

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Sources: http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/wildlifehabitat/wolf/identify.html

http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/coyote/