A canine shot by a private homeowner in Wayne County, Missouri was tested and confirmed to be a grey wolf, the Wayne County Journal Banner reported. The news is significant not only because the grey wolf is a (borderline) endangered species, but because it doesn't have a known population in Missouri. Based on DNA evidence and geography, the wolf most likely migrated from a population of grey wolves in the Great Lakes region.
"The few wolves that have appeared in Missouri in recent years are young animals from other states seeking new territories, particularly from Minnesota, Wisconsin, or Michigan," Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Resource Scientist Jeff Beringer said.
Originally, the hunter who shot the wolf thought it was a coyote. Upon closer examination, however, he suspected it might be a wolf or something else and contacted local wildlife authorities. The hunter was likely confused by its size. Most coyotes in the Missouri region don't exceed 30 pounds, while the canine carcass weighed 80, according to the Journal Banner.
"Because of the great variety in the bodies of dogs, coyotes and wolves, it's important that we get DNA evidence to ensure correct identification of the animal," Beringer said. "We have DNA signatures from all captive wolves and wolf-hybrids in the state. We also compare DNA from the animal in question with DNA of wolves around the country to help determine the origin of the animal."
The grey wolf is still an endangered species in the United States, but not for long. After nearly a year of reviews, on Dec. 26, 2013 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (FWS) proposed to remove it from the list of threatened and endangered species, of which it has been a part for three decades. It doesn't appear if there will be any more reviews in the future. The Mexican Wolf, however, will remain on the list.
According to the Sierra Club, about 1,800 grey wolves exist in the Northern Rockies and 4,000 in the Great Lakes states.
"Wolves are among the most charismatic and controversial animals in America," the Sierra Club writes in its opening description of the grey wolf. "The howl of the wolf is emblematic of our country's last wild areas, a reminder of strength and beauty of the natural world."
