Researchers from the Voyageurs Wolf Project have shared intriguing footage of a unique canid that appears to be a possible “wolf-dog hybrid” spotted in northern Minnesota. This animal, which sports a dark fur coat with light brown legs and a short bushy tail, has baffled researchers due to its unusual appearance compared to the two adult wolves it was seen with. The animal was first observed on February 29 and again on March 3, roaming near Voyageurs National Park. It was later spotted alone ten more times between March 11 and March 20. Since then, there have been no further sightings, leading researchers to believe it may have left the area.
The project team, which monitors wolves using a network of trail cameras, speculates that the animal could be either a wolf with a unique mutation or a hybrid, although there is no current evidence of wolves breeding with dogs in the area. The Voyageurs Wolf Project, part of the University of Minnesota, aims to deepen the understanding of wolf behavior, particularly during the summer months in the Voyageurs National Park region.
For those interested in learning more about this mysterious canid or supporting the project’s work, more details and updates can be found on the Voyageurs Wolf Project website.