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DNR Asks Coyote Trappers to Correctly Identify and Report Incidentally Captured Wolves

Contact:  Brian Roell 906-228-6561
Agency: Natural Resources


Oct. 5, 2009

Trappers planning to target coyotes when the season opens Oct. 15 should be ready to correctly identify any wolves incidentally caught in traps, the Department of Natural Resources said today.

"Wolves are a federally endangered species. Any wolf caught in a trap should be reported to the DNR so wildlife staff can assist with its release," said DNR wolf specialist Brian Roell. "Trappers who incidentally trap a wolf are not in violation of any game law, but alerting the DNR allows us to make arrangements for safe release of the wolf."

Trappers who have identified a trapped wolf or suspect a trapped animal may be a wolf should call the DNR's 24-hour Report All Poachers (RAP) Line at 800-292-7800 to report the capture as soon as possible. Wildlife staff responding to the report will be able to correctly identify the animal.

Wolves are much larger than coyotes and have a thick, rounded snout, rounded ears, long legs and large feet, while coyotes have a pointy snout and ears and small feet. However, in the past, small wolves caught in traps have been incorrectly identified as large coyotes and illegally killed, Roell explained.

Additionally, trappers should be aware that while the majority of the state's wolf population is in the Upper Peninsula, there have been two verified wolf sightings in the northern Lower Peninsula in recent months.

"If there is any uncertainty about whether an animal is a coyote or wolf, the best course of action is to call the DNR for assistance," Roell said. "Wolves are very strong and can be difficult to release. Wildlife staff will respond with the appropriate equipment when available and help release the wolf safely.

For information regarding coyote and wolf identification, go online to www.michigan.gov/wolves and click on "Identifying Wolves and Coyotes." For more information about the coyote trapping season, go online to www.michigan.gov/dnr and click on "Hunting and Trapping," or pick up a hunting and trapping guide from any authorized license vendor.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, accessible use and enjoyment of the State's natural resources for current and future generations.

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