Animal spotted in Wauwatosa was a coyote, not a wolf, DNR says. Here's how to tell the difference.

Quinn Clark, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
·2 min read
A coyote quickly moves along a tree line in Menomonee Falls.
A coyote quickly moves along a tree line in Menomonee Falls.

A Wauwatosa resident warned of a possible wolf sighting near Menomonee River Parkway and North Avenue on Feb. 1, posting a photo of the animal in question on Nextdoor that, neighbors said, was running between houses.

The distant, blurry photo sparked debate between locals ― was there really a wolf in the neighborhood, or was it a coyote, as to be expected around this time of year?

Wildlife experts at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources determined the photo pictured was a coyote, not a wolf, DNR public information officer Molly Meister said, because of its "large pointy ears and narrow muzzle."

Coyote breeding season is underway, so it is typical to see more of the nocturnal animals in the daytime, Meister said.

"They can’t slip by in the cloak of the night anymore," Meister said. "People are often posting sightings of coyotes with an uptick in the winter."

Gray wolves are twice the size of coyotes and normally travel in packs, while coyotes can be seen hunting and traveling alone more often, according to the National Park Service.

Coyote attacks against humans are rare and can be avoided by following these tips, according to the Urban Coyote Research Project:

  • Do not feed coyotes or leave food unattended.

  • Do not let pets run loose.

  • Do not run away; instead, shout or throw something in the coyote's direction.

  • Leave them be ― if they are avoiding humans and pets, do not seek out to aggravate them.

As for the future of questionable coyote sightings, "Anyone who sees a large canid can submit their observation to our Large Mammal Observation Form," Meister said. "Photos of the animal or of their tracks are helpful and can be attached with the form when submitted."

Quinn Clark can be emailed at QClark@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @Quinn_A_Clark

More:How dangerous are coyotes? Attacks against adults are rare, but kids and pets face risks.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wolf spotted in Wauwatosa was a coyote, DNR says