Gray wolf mistaken for coyote shot and killed in West Michigan – WWMT

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by Donny Ede | News Channel 3
CALHOUN COUNTY, Mich. — An animal harvested in Calhoun County in January turns out to be a gray wolf.
A hunter was legally hunting coyotes in Calhoun County when he harvested a large animal, which genetic tests later revealed to be a gray wolf.
Michigan's currently known wolf population is in the Upper Peninsula.
Only a few signs of gray wolves in the Lower Peninsula have been observed since the population was reestablished in the 1980's, according to officials.
The hunter was accompanied by a guide when he shot what he thought was a large coyote, which weighed 84 pounds. Coyotes typically weigh between 25 and 40 pounds.
"This is an unusual case, and the DNR is actively delving into the matter to learn more about this particular animal's origin," said Brian Roell, large carnivore specialist for the DNR.

The DNR is currently investigating the presence of a gray wolf in the Lower Peninsula, according to state officials, who don't believe this wolf was part of an established population in the area.
Other instances of wolves in the Lower Peninsula have been observed, including:

DNR officials say the public doesn't need to be concerned about a broader wolf presence in the county or Lower Peninsula.
Gray wolves are listed as an endangered species, and they can only be killed if they are a direct and immediate threat to human life.
Livestock owners affected by gray wolves can receive compensation if their livestock are killed.
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