Researcher Explains ‘Coy-Wolf’ Behavior on Cape

Jonathan Way

Jonathan Way

BARNSTABLE – It was several years ago that coyote expert Jonathan Way of Osterville discovered that the local coyote seen on Cape Cod is really a hybrid between western coyotes and wolves.

“I do not believe it is accurate to call them coyotes when their DNA throughout northeastern North America is composed of western coyote, eastern wolf, gray wolf, and dog genes,” Way said.

But Way believes there is a lot of research left to do on this predator.

That is why actions by state officials that have stalled his research is particularly frustrating to him.

Way said the mission of Eastern Coyote/Coywolf Research is to promote the appreciation and acceptance and provide better protection of this creature throughout its range in Northeastern North America through sound science and public education.

jon-way-pictureWay is among those who have signed on to an effort to try to stop the hunting of coyotes in the Cape Cod National Seashore, citing “the social, intelligent, family-oriented nature of coyotes and the fact that they are ecologically important animals in a given area, especially where larger predators, for example wolves and cougars, or mountain lions, have been killed off.

Way talks about the state’s fish and wildlife bureaucracy as well as coyote behavior on Cape Cod and why he does not believe coyotes should be hunted in the region in the interview below.



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