In December 2001, a coyote hunter shot and killed an 85 lb. male wolf.  The New York Dept. of Conservation  initially reported the animal to be a “60 lb. coyote with 25 pounds of venison its stomach”and later claimed it to be a wolf/dog hybrid.  NYDEC did not investigate or report the animal to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a possible wolf.

John Glowa of MWC learned about the animal during an internet search and reported it to the USFWS Special Agent in Albany, New York.  The agent investigated the report and subsequently confiscated the remains of the animal which DNA analysis proved was a wolf.  The shooter was not prosecuted.  A photo of the animal’s pelt is below