Feral Dog

Feral Dog, Wild Dog (Eng.), Perro Salvaje (Sp.), Canis familiaris (Sci.), Native to Puerto Rico; introduced exotic species in the El Yunque NF.

Photo courtesy of Felipe Cano, Wildlife Biologist, EYNF. Information compiled by Alan Mowbray, Interpretive Media Writer, EYNF/LEF

General Information

Like most household pets, dogs are categorized according to their relationship with their human owners. The first category consists of homebound dogs, completely dependent on their owners and living solely on the premises. If a dog is allowed to wander, but still is dependent on the owner for food and shelter, it is known as a free-roaming dog. If a dog is completely free of its owner to roam and has minimal contact with humans then it is categorized as feral. If this feral state continues uninterrupted, the dog and its descendants will become completely independent of humans, and over time will become wild. For many years now, local residents who no longer want the responsibility of maintaining their pet dogs, have abandoned them in the El Yunque NF believing that their former pets will survive unchanged in the wild. Nothing could be further from the truth; they quickly become feral and if not rescued, soon become wild.

Description

Feral and wild dogs are difficult to distinguish from domesticated dogs. A primary feature that can distinguish them from pets is twofold: The degree of their dependence on, and their behavior towards people.

Habits

Feral dogs are highly organized. When they form into packs, the rearing of young pups is typically shared by several members of the group. Because of this, pups tend to survive in the wild. Traveling in packs or groups, feral dogs often maintain rendezvous sites similar to those of wolves. Considered an exotic species in the El Yunque NF, feral dogs prey on native species and compete for food that would otherwise be used solely to support native forest animals, some of which are on the Federal Endangered Species List.

Habitat

Feral dogs typically roam in forest areas near where humans gather, where they overturn garbage cans to forage for thrown away food scraps. As they become increasingly wild, they may pack with other feral dogs and begin to rely more upon native animal prey for subsistence.

Where to look for this animal in the EYNF

Anywhere in the El Yunque NF, especially in recreational areas or near human habitation and around trash cans containing food waste.

NOTE: Do not attempt to feed stray dogs, or drop food scraps on the trail for them to find, they are probably feral and represent a potential hazard, both to humans and the native animal population. They may be infected with diseases such as RABIES. If you encounter a stray dog, do not approach it. Contact a UNIFORMED FOREST SERVICE EMPLOYEE who will provide immediate control and handling of the animal