Researchers have learned that the coywolf is about twice the size of a coyote, with larger jaws and bigger muscles that allow it to kill deers
Say hello to the coywolf, the latest cool-sounding hybrid animal that researchers say now can be found by the millions throughout the Northeast.
The coywolf is actually a cross between a coyote and a wolf, and it's pretty common in the Northeast U.S., including N.J., according to several reports.
RELATED: Once unknown in N.J., coyotes have spread statewide
What used to be considered an eastern coyote is more accurately called a coywolf, according to Smithsonian Magazine, since eastern wolves interbred with western coyotes when deforestation and hunting threatened their population.
Researchers have learned that the coywolf is about twice the size of a coyote, with larger jaws and bigger muscles that allow it to kill deer, the UK Independent reports. The animals were dubbed the new "superpredators" by Field and Stream.
The extensive coywolf studies of Pepperdine University biology professor Javier MonzA3n concluded that coyote DNA dominates, but the animal is also 10 percent dog and 25 percent wolf, the Economist reported.
A 2014 PBS special on the coywolf observed that the coywolf may be taking over the region but its appearance only began within the last 90 years.
MORE: N.J.'s wily predator: 14 things you should know about coyotes
A few Bergen County residents were attacked by coyotes this past year, NJ Advance Media reported, and the coyote population in N.J. has risen.
Coyotes now exist in at least 400 towns across the state, according to the Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Fish and Wildlife, NJ Advance Media has reported.
One eastern Coyote/coywolf research site says that the animal is found from New Jersey to Maine, weighs 30 to 45 pounds on average, and ranges in color from "blonde to darker black and brown, but is usually tawny brown." While the animal may be stronger than the coyote, coywolf attacks are extremely rare, and there's no reason for "wolf hysteria," the Coywolf Association says.
Laura Herzog may be reached at lherzog@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @LauraHerzogL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
