'Wolves' spotted in Amesbury probably coyotes

AMESBURY, Mass. (AP) - Wildlife experts and city officials say reports of wolf sightings in Amesbury are inaccurate, and people are more likely spotting large coyotes and wolf-coyote hybrids.

Mayor Thatcher Kezer says he would be "surprised" if there were actually wolves prowling the city, but he's pretty sure there are plenty of coyotes around - he's heard them himself.

Residents of one neighborhood received an email warning them to be careful walking their dogs because two wolves were seen in the area.

Local and state environmental police say they have received no reports of wolves in town.

Dr. Jonathan Way, an expert on eastern coyotes, tells The Daily News of Newburyport (http://bit.ly/Y8xtDB ) the animals are likely wolf-coyote hybrids, quite common in the region. Wolves are almost unheard of.

Cox Media Group