Today, there are three different, recognized wolf species in North America: the gray wolf (Canis lupus), the red wolf (Canis rufus) and the coyote or "brush wolf" (Canis latrans). The origin of the red wolf has been debated extensively, as some biologists believe that it is simply a gray wolf/ coyote hybrid. Others believe that it is a true species.
Eastern Gray Wolves – Are they really Red Wolves?
