IS IT A WOLF OR A COYOTE?

WOLVES OF YELLOWSTONE

Here are a few tips for watching the wolves in Yellowstone.  Hopefully, this information will help you have a nice viewing experience.  Also - offering some helpful information for how to distinguish between the wolves of Yellowstone and the coyotes of Yellowstone.  When the coyotes have had a good winter and are healthy, it can be difficult to tell the difference between them and the wolves.

Wolves are 26 - 36 inches high at the shoulder.  They can be from 4 feet to 6 feet long from the nose to the tip of their tails. They generally weigh from 80 to 130 pounds and can be black, white, gray, or a mix of colors.

Coyotes, on the other hand, are about one third the size if a wolf.  They are generally 16 to 20 inches high at the shoulder.  They usually weigh between 25 and 35 pounds.  They can be tan to buff color, sometimes with a little gray mixed in and are orange on the tail and ears.

General rules for wolf viewing are:

Don't block the wolf's line of travel.

Park in a pullout.

Stay in your vehicle.

Be quiet.

Do NOT howl like a wolf.

Never surround, crowd, approach or follow wolves or any other wildlife.

Stay at least 100 yards from wolves and bears and 25 yards from all other animals.

NEVER feed wolves or any other wildlife.

Wolves are magnificent creatures and watching them is a very enjoyable pass time.  Respect not only the wolves, but all other humans who are trying to enjoy the same experience.