Iowa, That Coyote In Your Yard Might Actually Be A Wolf

If you hear a weird sound in your yard, be careful if you investigate.

The Iowa DNR is warning about making sure that animal that you think is a coyote is not actually a wolf. Many hunters are turning their focus to coyotes but the Iowa DNR wants to make sure that people take a good look at the animal first to guarantee it's not a wolf.

In Iowa, wolves are protected and there is no open season. If you kill a wolf, you could face both state and federal fines.

There's been an uptick in reported wolf sightings, according to Vince Evelsizer, State Furbearer Biologist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. It's the Great Lakes population of wolves from other parts of the Midwest that are passing through. He said:

“We’ve had a slight increase in the number of reported wolf sightings over the past few years, so there is a chance, even if it’s small, that a coyote hunter may see a wolf while hunting coyotes, especially at night. Whenever we’ve been able to get DNA samples, these dispersing wolves were members of the Great Lakes population from Wisconsin or Minnesota that were wandering through

How To Tell The Difference Between A Coyote & A Wolf

Coyotes, according to the Iowa DNR, are smaller, probably about 25-40 pounds, while wolves are closer to 70-110 pounds.

Coyotes have disproportionately big ears and a pointed snout. Wolves have long front legs and a heavier, square frame.

But one of the easiest ways to figure out what that animal outside is is that they sound different. Experts say coyotes bark more, their howl is shorter and higher pitched. Wolves don't bark as much and their howls are deeper and longer.

The good news is that, unless you try to start something, it's unlikely for wild, healthy wolves to attack a human, according to International Wolf Center. You should still keep your distance. What you really need to beware of is your dog. Don't take your dog outside, even on a leash, if you hear or see a wolf.

The coyote breeding season is also happening now through March and more of the males will likely be aggressive towards a big dog.

Keep your pups safe this Spring!