Mammalogy Laboratory :: Research :: Current Projects
An Adirondack coyote captured by a NYSM camera trap.
An Adirondack coyote captured by a NYSM camera trap.
Evolution of Northeast Coyotes
We are collecting skulls and tissue samples from coyotes throughout the Northeast United States and Canada to evaluate the variation and evolution of eastern coyotes. Coyotes are a new immigrant into the region, and differ significantly from their western cousins in being larger and eating more large prey. Previous work has suggested that eastern coyotes are hybrids between coyotes and wolves, or coyotes and dogs, but this has not been definitively addressed with modern molecular techniques.
We are collecting skulls and tissue samples from coyotes throughout the Northeast United States and Canada to evaluate the variation and evolution of eastern coyotes. Coyotes are a new immigrant into the region, and differ significantly from their western cousins in being larger and eating more large prey. Previous work has suggested that eastern coyotes are hybrids between coyotes and wolves, or coyotes and dogs, but this has not been definitively addressed with modern molecular techniques.
If you are a coyote trapper or hunter and would like to contribute to our study please contact Roland Kays at 518-486-3205, rkays@mail.nysed.gov
Collaborations: Dr. Robert Feranec and Dr. Jeremy Kirchman NYSM
Two Adirondack Coyote Skulls.
The left skull was prepared in 1949 from one of the first coyotes
to enter New York from Ontairo. The skull on the right is a recent
collection from the same area.
The left skull was prepared in 1949 from one of the first coyotes
to enter New York from Ontairo. The skull on the right is a recent
collection from the same area.