What is a Coywolf
A coywolf is a hybrid animal, the result of interbreeding between a coyote (Canis latrans) and a gray wolf (Canis lupus). Sometimes eastern wolves (Canis lycaon) or even domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) are part of the mix, depending on the region and populations involved. These hybrids are most commonly found in areas where coyote and wolf habitats overlap, like parts of the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. The term "coywolf" isn't a strict scientific classification but more of a colloquial way to describe these animals, which have been popping up more frequently over the last century or so as human activity has altered their environments.
Physically, coywolves often blend traits of both parents. They’re typically larger than a coyote (which averages 20-40 pounds) but smaller than a gray wolf (which can weigh 70-120 pounds), with coywolves often landing in the 35-55-pound range. They might have a coyote’s leaner build but with thicker fur, broader snouts, or stronger jaws more akin to a wolf. Behaviorally, they’re adaptable as hell—coyotes are already known for being crafty survivors in urban and rural settings, and the wolf genes can add a bit more pack-oriented hunting prowess. Some studies, like those from the North American Coyote Ecology Project, suggest they’re better at taking down larger prey like deer compared to pure coyotes, but they’ll still scavenge or snatch small critters when the opportunity arises.
Genetically, the mix varies. Research, such as a 2016 study published in Science Advances, found that many "coywolves" in the Northeast U.S. have about 60-80% coyote DNA, 10-25% wolf DNA, and sometimes a dash of dog DNA thrown in. This hybridization isn’t new—genetic exchange between canids has happened for millennia—but it’s accelerated as wolf populations dwindled and coyotes expanded eastward into former wolf territory. Deforestation, hunting, and habitat fragmentation pushed these species together, and since they can produce fertile offspring, the hybrids stuck around.
They’ve stirred some debate, too. Some ecologists argue they’re just a natural part of evolution doing its thing—species adapt, interbreed, and new forms emerge. Others worry they could outcompete purebred wolves or coyotes, or mess with local ecosystems by hunting differently. Either way, they’re a testament to how wildlife doesn’t sit still when humans shuffle the deck.
If you’re curious about spotting one yourself or diving deeper into their behavior, let me know in the comments below!
