A new species is evolving right before our eyes — an ultra-successful mix of wolves, coyotes and dogs
http://www.rawstory.com/2015/10/a-n...ra-successful-mix-of-wolves-coyotes-and-dogs/
http://www.rawstory.com/2015/10/a-n...ra-successful-mix-of-wolves-coyotes-and-dogs/
...At about 55 pounds, the hybrid animal is about twice as heavy as a standard coyote, and its large jaws, faster legs and muscular body allow it to take down small deer and even hunt moose in packs, and the animal is skilled at hunting in both open terrain and dense woodland.
An analysis of 437 hybrid animals found that coyote DNA dominates its genetic makeup, with about one-tenth of its DNA from dogs, usually larger dogs such as Doberman pinschers and German shepherds, and a quarter from wolves.
The animal’s cry starts out as a deep-pitched wolf howl that morphs into higher-pitched yipping — like a coyote...