7/26/2023 0 Comments Black wolf![]() ![]() People used more resources, leveled forests for growth and cattle, hunted game to feed growing populations, and actively hunted all predators, the Florida Black Wolf included alongside the Florida Panther and Florida Black Bear. In the end, they were outcompeted by humans. They evolved over thousands of years to be the perfect predator and were persecuted for what came naturally. Sadly, what people of the time didn’t see was the curious personality, courageous spirit, and family oriented unit wolves represented. They were seen as dangerous animals who would hunt livestock, compete with settlers for wild game, and would attack the unsuspecting traveler. The disappearance of the Florida Black Wolf is no surprise when you look at the perceptions people viewed wolves with. ![]() "Eve of the Wolf" - Close up - Digital Painting on Canvas - Kelly Quinn This invalidated all previous proclamations of the Florida Black Wolf being a species of Coyote or a subspecies of Red Wolf. In 1957, it was discovered by the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (A ridiculously long name meaning a group of people who name species) that the Florida black wolf, along with the red wolf and Gregory's wolf was actually not related to any known species or at least the relation could not be proven. Along with the Florida Black Wolf, a Red Wolf was also discovered on this trip, which started the debate on whether the Black Wolf was a separate species from the Red Wolf or the same with a color variation.Ĭanis Lupus (American black wolf) - Photograph - Unknown During his trek through southern states in the 1840s, he painted a watercolor piece of a Florida Black Wolf galloping across a prairie hunting Bison (and yes, Bison lived in Florida way back when!). John James Audubon was one of the two most credible resources that secure the existence of this species. They hunted in small packs like their northern cousins and typically were found in Pine Forests and prairie habitats, most likely hunting deer, and small game. Recounts of this animal are few, but the handful that still exists today point to a small framed, light-footed Wolf with large ears and a jet black coat, save for a patch or two of white on their chest and muzzle. "Eve of the Wolf" 16" x 24" Digital Painting on Canvas - Kelly Quinn it existed, and lived throughout the lower southeast of the United States until 1908, which is when it was declared extinct. There has been much debate among biologists on the taxonomy of the Florida Black Wolf but one thing is for sure. Can wolves be reintroduced to the Southeast?.What is the Florida Black Wolf? Is it a unique species of Wolf? A subspecies of the Grey Wolf? Or is it a Coyote?.Florida Black Wolf Hi There! Thanks for popping in to learn more about the Florida Black Wolf! Here are some of the questions that I will be answering about this awesome animal. ![]()
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