The Taxonomic Status of Wild Canis in Arkansas

Skulls from 284 wild canids collected in Arkansas from July, 1968 through March, 1971 approximately one year old or older and of known sex and capture locality were analyzed taxonomically. Each skull was compared to six target populations of skulls from known canids (Bcoyotes, coyote X dog hybrids, dogs, red wolves, northeastern forest gray wolves, and plains gray wolves) for identification. The 165 male unknowns were identified as: coyote, 117;B coyote X dog intermediate, 26; dog, 3;red wolf, 2; coyote X red wolf intermediate, 16; dog X red wolf intermediate, 1. The 119 female unknowns were identified as: coyote, 91; coyote X dog intermediate, 12; dog, 5; coyote X red wolf intermediate, 11. Coyotes occur in all counties of the state and are the predominant wild canid in most areas. Local pockets of coyote X dog intermediates are randomly distributed but fairly common. Wild dogs have become established in some areas, especially in east-central Arkansas. A strong red wolf influence still exists in the canid population on the Gulf Coastal Plain of southern Arkansas. Occasional pockets of red wolf influence are found in the Ouachita and Ozark Mountains and Delta.