WOLF DAYS IN l^ENNSYLVANIA. 



wolves. Deer and elk are here already, but without 

 the so-called predatory beasts to harass them, they are 

 sure to deteriorate. Wolf and panther hunting can be 

 made the royal sport of Pennsylvania. Wolves, un- 

 molested, except at certain seasons, could soon make 

 themselves at home, and would prove a great benefit 

 alike to sportsmen and to the game animals and birds. 

 As far as damage to sheep is concerned, it would be 

 less than is now done by dogs. As to the best variety 

 of wolf to introduce, the Black Wolr seems to have 

 been able to adjust itself to conditions; it was the last 

 to be exterminated. As far as known, the Eastern 

 black wolf is now extinct. The W^estern timber wolf 

 requires a wider range than Pennsylvania could afford. 

 The grey Pennsylvania wolf is gone, but its congeners 

 in the West Virginia wilds might be introduced with 

 advantage. The brown Pennsylvania wolf is probably 

 extinct,' as its relatives in North Carolina and Ten- 

 nessee has been recently killed to the last specimen 

 by professional hunters. The Western coyote might 

 adapt itself, and could be introduced if no other varie- 

 ties were available. This animal, as already stated, 

 resembles the Pennsylvania brown wolf in many re- 

 spects. It affords sport wherever it is known, and is 

 hardy, is game and resourceful. However, it is too 

 prone to degenerate into a mere poultry thief to make 

 its introduction popular. The methods of the old 

 Pennsylvania bounty hunters would not be used by 

 the sportsmen of the future. These included trapping, 

 snaring, pitfalls and poisoning. The wolf hunting as 



