PROSPERITY/ WigadviI first noticed Prosperity's tracks in late summer, when I got back from Tanzania. I noticed that they were following Togo's, but much bigger than even a normal eastern coyote. This piqued my interest, and I reached out to the Red Wolf Coalition at the possibility of a hybrid. I'm a couple hundred miles away from Alligator River Wildlife Refuge on the coast of NC, but it's still easily within range for a dispersed red wolf or hybrid.
Prosperity is calm, cool, and collected. He tends to walk with a relaxed amble more typical of a wolf than a trotting coyote. He is protective, and I've caught him on camera looking back to make sure Togo is following right behind. He seems to be a natural leader, and usually at the front when he and Togo are making their nightly patrols. He is a proficient hunter, which will make for a good producer come spring if he and Togo settle down and successfully have a litter of puppies. He is extremely shy of people, a bit more so even than Togo. His howl is lower than that of a normal coyote, and sonorous, broken up with a couple barks. |
FAST FACTS
Species: Eastern coyote / coywolf, with potential red wolf hybridization Sex: Male Status: Alive Name Origin: "Prosperity" sounds similar to "Profanity", which are two Washington wolf packs that were senselessly killed within a state park in a controversial livestock loss case. "Wigadvi" is the Cherokee/Tsalagi word for "destiny". Identifying Characteristics: Thick build, very long legs; more varied coloration along the body. He also often walks with his tail up or raised slightly, which is a wolf trait. Coyotes usually walk with their tails down. Prosperity is about the size of a German Shepherd. |
TOGOTogo is who started it all. It was her tracks that I first noticed more than 6 months ago when I was just casually exploring the woods during a run.
She is savvy and beautiful, and light on her feet. Although Prosperity is bigger and tends to take the lead in hunting and scouting expeditions, I've seen Togo forage on her own successfully. She's a bit more observant than Prosperity; while he tends to walk calmly past my camera, Togo always turns to look straight at the strange red light as she goes by. She also startles easier. This caution will be a vital characteristic if she is to successfully raise puppies. VIDEOWatch the video below to see several months' footage of Prosperity & Togo, and to get to know them a bit better!
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FAST FACTS
Species: Eastern coyote / coywolf, with potential red wolf hybridization Sex: Female Status: Alive Name Origin: "Togo" is named after another Washington wolf pack. This one hasn't yet been killed, but currently has a death sentence upon them. Identifying Characteristics: Leaner, lighter body both in color and dimension. Narrower face. She tends to trot more than Prosperity, and quicker to react to things. |