A hunter killed one of the rare lone wolves to roam the upstate New York wilderness during a hunt for coyotes last December, a recent DNA analysis confirmed.
There have only been three gray wolves, which are protected as endangered species in the Empire State, identified by scientists in upstate New York over the past quarter-century, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The creature killed by the hunter was initially believed to be a coyote.
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“DNA tests indicate the animal is most likely from the Great Lakes population of wolves, which currently have no established populations in any adjacent state and no known wolves closer than Michigan. It is unknown if this animal was a wild animal that moved into New York or if this was a captive-bred animal that was released or escaped,” the DEC said in a press release Thursday.
An initial DNA test of the canine concluded it was most likely an Eastern coyote, but authorities have since determined that analysis was likely crying wolf. A subsequent Princeton University review of the DNA concluded it was a gray wolf.
Upon a subsequent review, the DEC confirmed Princeton’s conclusion and is evaluating whether additional research into the deceased canine is warranted as officials wolf down the data.
Eastern coyotes are known to inhabit New York, but the DEC believes it is unlikely that gray wolves, which are considerably larger in size than the Eastern coyote, do as well. The agency noted that instances of captive wolves being released in the state have occurred in the past. Gray wolves live in Michigan near the Great Lakes region.
Although some New Yorkers have reported hearing howling or seeing creatures resembling the silhouette of a wolf, the species is believed to have largely been eradicated from the Empire State since the dawn of the 20th century.
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The wolf was killed in the small town of Cherry Valley, located roughly 40 miles outside of Albany.
“The [sighting] of this wolf is a testament to New York State’s record of protecting habitat which has greatly benefited wildlife populations, as noted with the return of moose and the Great Lakes piping plover to suitable habitat within the state,” the agency added.
