Characteristics and Distribution of Coyote X Dog Hybrids Collected in Nebraska

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Abstract
Skulls of 44 suspected coyote (Canis latrans) .times. dog (C. familiaris) hybrids (coydogs), were collected in Nebraska [USA] from Sept. 1975 to April 1976. Each skull was compared statistically with skulls of known coyotes, dogs, coydogs, gray wolves (C. lupus) and red wolves (C. rufus) for identification. Males (32) were identified as 5 coyotes, 2 dogs, 25 coydogs and females were identified as 4 coyotes, 2 dogs, 6 coydogs. Hybrids occur statewide but appear to comprise only a small part of the wild Canis population. Three concentrations of hybrids were located in southeastern Nebraska. Male coydogs (12) weighed an average 16.2 kg and female hybrids averaged 10.7 kg. Coloration noted among hybrids collected was 7 black, 4 rufours, 2 typical coyote-like gray, and 18 intermediate in color. The incidence of black hybrids is discussed. The uterus of a female hybrid killed in Jan. 1976 contained 8 fetuses estimated to be 40-45 days old.

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