Characteristics and Distribution of Coyote X Dog Hybrids Collected in Nebraska

Skulls of 44 suspected coyote (Canis latrans) x dog (C. familiaris) hybrids-"coydogs"-were collected in Nebraska from September 1975 through April 1976. Each skull was compared statistically with skulls of known coyotes, dogs, coydogs, gray wolves (C. lupus) and red wolves (C. rufus) for identification. Thirty-two males were identified as: five coyotes, two dogs, 25 coydogs; 12 females were identified as: four coyotes, two dogs, six coydogs. Hybrids occur statewide but appear to comprise only a small part of the wild Canis population. Three concentrations of hybrids were located in southeastern Nebraska. Twelve male coydogs weighed an average 16.2 kg; three female hybrids averaged 10.7 kg. Coloration noted among hybrids collected was: seven black; four rufous; two typical coyote-like gray; 18 intermediate in color. The incidence of black hybrids is discussed. The uterus of a female hybrid killed 28 January 1976 contained eight fetuses estimated to be 40-45 days old.