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Wolf

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From: Cheryl N City: Prairie Grove, IL
There was a very large animal in my backyard yesterday at dusk. At first I thought it was a very large german shepherd dog. But if was very tall (long legs) and was greyish in color with a long, slender snout. I believe it was way too large to be a coyote. Could it have been a wolf? If so, should I be concerned about the children in the neighborhood? Could it really have been a wolf?
	Extension Message From: Laura Kammin Visiting Extension Specialist, Pollution Prevention Extension-Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant College Program lkammin@illinois.edu
While there have been a small number of confirmed wolf sightings in Illinois, it is extremely unlikely that the animal was a wolf. During this time of year coyotes have very full winter coats, and this makes them appear larger than they are. Or it could have been a stray dog. Did you find any tracks?
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