The Current Status of Wild Wolves in New Jersey
There are no established, reproducing populations of wild wolves in New Jersey today. The species that historically inhabited the region, likely the Eastern Wolf (Canis lycaon), is considered extirpated within the state’s borders. Any wolf sighted would be an extremely rare, transient individual traveling hundreds of miles from established populations further north or west. Although the Gray Wolf (Canis lupus) is federally protected in certain regions, the likelihood of one naturally migrating into this densely populated area is remote.
New Jersey’s state wildlife management agencies have not recorded any evidence of wolf packs or breeding activity. The absence of wolves means the ecological niche of a large apex predator remains unfilled. Fragmented habitat and high human density make the reestablishment of a self-sustaining wolf population impossible, even with increasing forest cover. The state focuses on managing existing predator populations that have filled the void.
Historical Presence and Extirpation
Wolves were a natural component of New Jersey’s pre-colonial ecosystem. Historical accounts suggest the native species was the Eastern Wolf, or a closely related subspecies of the Gray Wolf. These large canids thrived across the region, regulating populations of prey animals like deer.
The disappearance of wolves is directly tied to European settlement and efforts to convert land for agriculture and livestock. Bounties were instituted for killing wolves, with New Jersey offering 15 shillings per wolf killed in its first wildlife regulation in 1675. This systematic eradication, coupled with deforestation and habitat fragmentation, led to the species being extirpated from the state by the 1850s.
The True Identity of Large Canines in the State
Reports of large, wolf-like canines in New Jersey are almost universally attributed to the Eastern Coyote (Canis latrans), a species that has successfully colonized all 21 counties. The Eastern Coyote is a distinct subspecies that is significantly larger and heavier than its western counterparts. This size difference is due to genetic hybridization, possessing DNA from the Western Coyote, Gray Wolf, Eastern Wolf, and domestic dog, which sometimes leads to the colloquial term “Coywolf.”
The average Eastern Coyote weighs between 20 and 55 pounds, standing 20 to 24 inches at the shoulder. A true Gray Wolf, by comparison, is substantially larger, often weighing between 70 and 115 pounds, with some males reaching up to 175 pounds.
Distinguishing features are apparent. The coyote has a proportionally narrower muzzle, longer ears, and tends to carry its tail low when moving. Conversely, a wolf has a boxier, broader head, slightly more rounded ears, and carries its tail higher. The coyote’s successful adaptation to diverse habitats, including suburban and urban areas, explains why it is the large wild canine people encounter.