Differentiating Great Lakes Area Native Wild Wolves from Dogs and Wolf-Dog Hybrids

A book that will help wildlife biologists, conservation officers, forensic staff, and others evaluate animals to determine whether or not they are native Great Lakes Area wolves. Includes 15 full color plates The increase in wild wolf populations has been paralleled by an increase in captive animals that are wolf-dog mixes or are privately kept full wolves. Wildlife biologists are often consulted to identify these animals when the animals are collected after death or occasionally may be asked to verify whether a specific free-ranging animal may perhaps be a wolf or wolf mix. Unfortunately, at this time, there are few decisive DNA tests that are successful at verifying whether a specific animal is a full native wolf. Many clues can be used to discern whether an animal is a wolf or a wolf-dog mix, or if the animal appears to be a full wolf, whether the animal has been captive. Determination of the identity of a specific animal requires careful examination of the animal. If the animal is alive, behavioral clues also need to be considered.

Biologist and educator Beth Duman has been doing wolf education in Michigan since 1972. She is an expert at identifying wolves and wolf hybrids.