Minnesota is a success story in natural wolf population recovery and the coexistence of ranchers and farmers with wolves. "Yes, I wont let him out by himself. Smaller than wolves with pointier muzzles and ears, eastern coyotes are now common in the region.But its not unusual for people in the Northeast report canines seemingly too big and bulky to be coyotes, which typically weigh around 40 pounds (18 kilograms).In New Yorks Adirondack Mountains, wolf advocate Joseph Butera said his friends and neighbors have seen animals bigger than German shepherds, and he constantly sees large canine tracks in the woods.And once in a blue moon, youll hear a howl that you know is not a coyote, said Butera, president of the Northeast Ecological Recovery Society.Wolf sightings can be dismissed as people wrongly identifying coyotes, domestic animals or wolf-dog hybrids.But a 2011 academic study using carbon isotopes to distinguish wild from captive wolves suggested that at least three wild wolves were living in Vermont and New York in the previous decade. Pervasive in mythology, folklore, and . 1 seed in ACC, edges Pitt 78-76 for, Kitayama holds onto Bay Hill lead over Scheffler,, No. NPS Wolf Relocation Project: September 2018 - National Park Service began its wolf relocation project - a planned "genetic rescue" of Isle Royale's dwindling wolf population to keep the species going and allow the unique ecological study that began 60 years ago to continue. There have also been two deaths by coyotes in North America. The reason people might think the coywolves are wolves is they are much larger than Western coyotes. Tucked away on 80 acres of natural woodlands, this wolf sanctuary in Pennsylvania provides a safe haven for one of nature's most beautiful animals and serves as an educational facility for the public. In the US gray wolves have been removed from the endangered list. In Massachusetts, coyotes can be hunted six months per year, from mid-October to early March. We have no doubt that eastern wolves are coming down and crossing the St. Lawrence. A video posted on Facebook shows a big coyote stretching, seemingly undisturbed as he is being videotaped in the Blue Hills. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WMTW-TV. They can choose between a guided tour and a presentation which, while similar, bear a few differences. "It was created in around 1919 in Algonquin Park in Southern Ontario, about 150 miles north-northwest of New York. Mission:Wolf educates the public about why wolves are essential in their native ecosystems, but not a good fit for pets. We have no doubt that eastern wolves are coming down and crossing the St. Lawrence. Instead, wildlife biologists group them in regional population groups that may include two, three, or more states. Wolf Hollow offers a unique opportunity to view gray wolves in their natural environment Come see how they interact with their pack members and live in a social unit very similar to human families. The American Black Bear is a widely distributed North American mammal that holds spiritual significance for many different cultures. By the mid-20th century, only a small population of wolves remained, mainly deep in the woods of upper Michigan and Minnesota. Copyright @ Timber Wolf Information Network 2022, Wolf Island: Discovering the Secrets of a Mythic Animal, In Wolf Country: The Power and Politics of Reintroduction Yuskavitch 2015, How to Tame a Fox (and Build a Dog) Dugatkin and Trut 2017, The Predator Paradox: Ending the War With Wolves, Bears, Cougars, and Coyotes, Journey: The Amazing Story of OR-7, the Oregon Wolf That Made History, Changing Tracks: Predators and Politics in Mt. In 1995, the USFWS introduced 31 wolves from Jasper National Park in Canada to Yellowstone National Park. Moose are the largest members of the deer family in North America. Ive had an all-black coyote zipping through my yard, she said. The Whaleback pack produced its first litter in 2021. In New Yorks Adirondack Mountains, wolf advocate Joseph Butera said his friends and neighbors have seen animals bigger than German shepherds, and he constantly sees large canine tracks in the woods. Enter Email A. Wolves eat: Their total population is about 14,780 to 17,780. A sixth incident is also being investigated, but she said it is a fraction of the number of dog attacks on humans in that same period. Wolves once roamed freely throughout most of the United States, but hunting and habitat destruction diminished their numbers. The wolves take months to bond with a trained human handler before having hands on-contact with them, the sanctuary said. Biologists were called in and incorrectly identified it as a domestic dog from the bite marks. To see the seven wolves living today at Wolf Hollow, visitors should make sure to book well in advance. Wachusett in Massachusetts has a real ski resort that has night skiing as well as day skiing. One of the main reasons why people should be concerned with this issue is because gray wolves are no longer found in New England. And they're being killed. The presentation focuses more on the history of the wolves, how they live in a natural environment and their status today as a recovering species. Are wolves in New England? The Eastern coyotes also may not be coyotes, but a hybrid of three types of canid subspecies. Maris Fessenden is a freelance science writer and artist who appreciates small things and wide open spaces. MILTON, Mass. But the howl of the wolf has been silent in the Northeast for nearly a century. Plan a visit to Lititz, because this is one place in . There is food and shelter.". They occupy less than a tenth of their historic territory, according to the Sierra Club, a leading national environmental group. There are 16 subspecies of Ursus americanus and the total population in North America is thought to be between 600,00 and 900,000 bears, depending on your source. wolf, any of two species of wild doglike carnivores. It's the first. Misha and the Wolves is the new true-crime documentary on Netflix about the extraordinary true story of Misha Defonseca, who wrote the best-selling memoir, Misha: A Mmoire of the Holocaust Years . There are currently about 1,650 wolves in this population region. there have been sightings of wolves in other northeast states such as Maine, Vermont, and Massachusetts. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). But there have been some recent appearances. Foxes didnt make it on the list of mammals you can ownin the state of Massachusetts. Gray wolves became extinct in. However, coyotes can never fully replace the wolves in the regional ecosystem and they cannot take the role of the new apex predator. And theyre being called coyotes.. After her . By 1900, they were gone from the Adirondacks. Alaska: 7,000 to 11,000 The state has a thriving wolf population. A Milton man captured the wild animal, leading some on social media to call it a coywolf, which is a cross between a coyote and a wolf. The coyote-dog connection is a more recent discovery. U.S. Their existence has a positive trickle-down effect on every part of the forest. The reason people might think the coywolves are wolves is they are much larger than Western coyotes. Genetic testing of Eastern coyotes, or coywolves, found they are about 60 percent coyote, 30 percent Eastern wolf and 10 percent dog, Mr. Way said. And that is not as simple as it sounds, said Daniel Rosenblatt, New York Department of Environmental Conservation wildlife biologist. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and guests should plan well ahead, since the sanctuary is only open to the public twice a week. Cookie Policy Maine Wildlife Division Director Nate Webb said if wolves were back in any numbers in his state, theyd be preying on moose.I worked on wolves for over a decade and have been to hundreds of wolves kills personally. Ever seen . Description. I live in the Pacific Northwest and am surrounded by nature. Do we have wolves in Massachusetts? There is already confirmed DNA evidence estabishing that a 70 lb specimen from Vermont was a coyote/wolf hybrid. If the true apex predator is brought back, balance to the regions environment will be brought back with it. How much wolf DNA can you need before its a wild wolf? More information on Eastern coyotes may also be found at http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/dfw/fish-wildlife-plants/mammals/eastern-coyote-in-massachusetts.html. Coyote, wolf hybrid caught on video in Milton Coyote, wolf hybrid caught on video in Milton. "It was about 200 yards away that was a little bit too close for me," said Morrissey, of Milton. A.K.A creepy squirrels. Permission to shoot the animal was given and it was identified as a one year old male wolf by post mortem analysis. And theyre being killed. Create your account. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Some people even use the term coywolves., Where do you draw the line between the two? asked New Hampshire Fish and Game Department wildlife biologist Patrick Tate. Coyote, wolf hybrid caught on video in Milton, Boston 25 News facebook feed(Opens a new window), Boston 25 News twitter feed(Opens a new window), Boston 25 News youtube feed(Opens a new window), School administrators: Create a closings account, Wildlife officials offer tips on dealing with wild turkeys, Man rescues newborn puppy that turns out to be baby coyote, Taunton woman attacked by 6 dogs trying to save family dog, Town-by-town totals: These Mass. For our population numbers, we relied on official numbers from each states Fish and Wildlife Department, Department of Natural Resources, or another proper source. "I've had an all-black coyote zipping through my yard," she said. The hunter agreed to provide a tissue sample of the 85-pound (39-kilogram) animal to advocates. One was in 1981 in Glendale, California, when a coyote attacked a girl in the driveway at her home and dragged her off. I am a freelance writer with 22 years of experience. Wisconsin prohibits hunting or lethal predation control of wolves. Contact Us 100 Littleton Road, Westford, MA 01886 (978) 577-5992 angellquestions@angell.org More Info. Her father rescued her, but she later died from blood loss and a broken neck. . (MassWildlife/Bill Byrne) WORCESTER, MA April 28, 2018, was a bad day for moose in Massachusetts. A girl in South Carolina runs an Instagram account for her hedgehogthat has over 32,000 followers. These North American species include gray wolves, red wolves, coyotes, red foxes, gray foxes, kit foxes, swift foxes and arctic foxes. When referring to "wolves", people are generally referring to the gray wolf, as other wolves are very likely to be a subspecies of the gray wolf ( Canis lupus ), though they can vary considerably in size, appearance, and behavior. As a result, the deer population in the state is unhealthy according to Menard. Ms. Larson said there have been only five attacks on humans in Massachusetts since the 1950s. Habitat Historically, wolves lived in a wide variety of habitats throughout the northern hemisphere, from mountain forests to open prairie (Mech 1970). Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Heres what we know about the latest wolf counts. And thats just not occurring here in Maine.. DigitalJobsatBostonGlobeMedia, Facebook Since Oregon wolf OR-7 entered California in late 2011, several radio collared wolves have dispersed into the state, an unknown number of uncollared wolves, and three breeding packs have formed. How much coyote DNA do you need before its a coyote?Rosenblatt said New York not only is retesting this animal, but also is trying to collect more genetic data on coyotes so they have a better sense of the makeup of the canines at large in the woods.We know this question is not going to go away, he said. New England once had wolves but they were hunted to extinction by settlers as they cleared the forests for farmland. Get Selena's new album 'Rare', out now: http://smarturl.it/RARESGGet 'Wolves,' out now: http://smarturl.it/WolvesSG Get exclusive Selena Gomez merch, availab. Now they're all gone. 5 Sponsored by Forge of Empires The CDFW closely monitors known resident wolves to conserve and manage California's wolf population. Coywolves are telling an "amazing contemporary evolution story thats happening right underneath our nose," Kays tells, on average a quarter wolf and a tenth dog, Kids Start Forgetting Early Childhood Around Age 7, Archaeologists Discover Wooden Spikes Described by Julius Caesar, Artificial Sweetener Tied to Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke, Study Finds, Rare Jurassic-Era Insect Discovered at Arkansas Walmart. The gray wolf, also called the timber wolf, is the largest member of the canine family with fur ranging from gray to brown, black or white. Fruits, including blueberries, apples, and cowberries. In 2014, the US. They have set up three breeding packs known as the Shasta Pack, Lassen Pack, and Whaleback Pack. Many locals think they've been spotting wolves across the Pioneer Valley. How Many Wolves Live in Yellowstone National Park? Coyotes are now close to the top of the New England food chain, having no real competition. A report from PBS writes that the first eastern coyote or coywolf appeared around 1919 in Ontario, Canada. There has to be other wolves here, said John Glowa, president of the Maine Wolf Coalition. They can stand up to 6 feet tall at the shoulder and have long legs 3-4 feet in length, which allow them to walk in deep snow. Genetic testing of Eastern coyotes, or coywolves, found they are about 60 percent coyote, 30 percent Eastern wolf and 10 percent dog, Mr. Way said. But it's not happening up here. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Its not a good idea for wild animals to be treated like that, she said. Contact George Barnes at george.barnes@telegram.com. Also known as an umbrella species because the requirements for such a species to survive are comprehensive and if fulfilled, it would mean that the entire ecosystem is thriving. Wolves This adorable, masked, rabies-laden critters have to stay in your garbage can. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. The eight species may be organized in three general categories: wolves, coyotes and foxes. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. In 1987, the Wolf Conservation Center and the USFWS launched a recovery program. | The canid family consists of thirty-five living species. Few animals are associated with as many myths, legends, and iconic images as the wolf. While this doesnt mean that the odd individual doesnt wander down south from Quebec (a subspecies known as Algonquin wolves), and those are usually shot and killed. Now the question has been raised again, will such music be heard in New England, let alone Massachusetts again? Advocates who think so say a recent DNA analysis shows a strapping canine shot by a coyote hunter in upstate New York last winter was actually a wolf. That was in Shelburne Falls when state wildlife biologists were called out when several sheep were killed at a farm. The Princeton lab is performing additional tests on samples from the animal. However, evidence has been mounting that the wolves have been migrating south into parts of Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire. At least one gray wolf was reported stalking sheep in Massachusetts. An official with the U.S. Sorry, our TWIN Observer is on hiatus until we find a new volunteer webmaster thanks for your patience. Copyright @ Timber Wolf Information Network 2022, MA: Coyote or wolf? Of the coyote attacks in Massachusetts, Ms. Larson said three may have been by rabid coyotes and at least two others by coyotes that had grown used to people, possibly by someone feeding them. The first part of a howl resembles a wolfs (with a deep pitch), but this then turns into a higher-pitched, coyote-like yipping. In the fall, an adult cow (female) moose can weigh from 500 to 700 pounds and a bull (male) moose can weigh from 600 to over 1,000 pounds. Staff members give the presentation from inside the wolf enclosure, interacting with one of the packs, while guests observe from the outside. communities got the most snow during weekend storm, Florida woman accused of killing terminally ill husband released from jail, Winner of $754M Powerball jackpot identified as Boeing employee in Washington, Chirping scouting report has parents of two local hockey teams concerned, This is Boston. The Shasta Pack was last detected November 2015. Saatva Mattress Review: Our Pick for the Best Overall Bed of 2023, We Found 12 Cute Planters and Flower Pots That Cost Less Than $25, Here's Where to Watch and Stream Marvel's 'Ant Man and the Wasp: Quantumania' Online. To set the record straight, Marion Larson of the state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife said the animals are not wolves. Advocates note that wolves can travel hundreds of miles, and that wolf populations have already rebounded around the Great Lakes and farther west.Some canine researchers say its not clear if there are sustained populations in the Northeast, but it appears likely wolves are wandering into the region.In all honesty, I dont know how there cant be, just based on the biology that canines disperse incredible distances. Welcome to Great Wolf Lodge! The Northern Rocky Mountain Population includes wolves who live in Yellowstone, the northern Rockies, Idaho, and Wyoming. About 2 percent of the United States population are bitten by dogs each year. CT proposal causes confusion, concern. Gray, or Western wolves, may weigh up to 120 pounds, according to Mr. Way, and appear to be as large as a deer. BetaBoston Mr. Way said he prefers to call the animals coywolves and believes they may be a new species, rather than the Western coyote's Eastern cousin. Public opinion in the room, while not necessarily anti-wolf was mainly focused on valid and practical issues of reintroducing a large predator into a densely populated area like New England. Rosenblatt said New York not only is retesting this animal, but also is trying to collect more genetic data on coyotes so they have a better sense of the makeup of the canines at large in the woods. The conclusion was based in part on maternal DNA markers, though the analysis found ample evidence of wolf genetic material.VonHoldt, leader of the North American Canine Ancestry Project, said both tests relied on a limited amount of genetic data. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) launched a new recovery program for the Mexican wolf. By pure fact alone, why would there not be? Wolves once inhabited most of North America, from coast to coast, but as humans spread across the states over the last century, these majestic, intelligent creatures (ancestors of "man's best. And that could be you, if you wanted: for acouple hundred bucks, you can legally purchase your very own living, breathing pine cone. She once even encountered one while she was out for an evening jog. Coywolf is an informal term for a canid hybrid descended from coyotes, eastern wolves, gray wolves, and dogs.All members of the genus Canis are closely genetically related with 78 chromosomes and therefore can interbreed. Wolves (Canis lupus) almost disappeared from the lower 48 states. Wolves are listed as endangered under state law, and it is illegal to hunt, pursue, harass, capture, or kill them. It is believed that these fatalities were the result of habituated or sick wolves. Montanas Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Department notes that the state has kept its wolf population stable for over a decade. Oregons wolves are protected by state and federal law. That's wise, says Smith, who explains that coyotes won't normally go after pets. There has been one confirmed wolf sighting in the state since the 1800s, Ms. Larson said. The gray, or timber, wolf (Canis lupus) is the better known. Become a Study.com member to unlock this answer! By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. A 19-year-old Canadian folk singer died in 2009 after being attacked by two coyotes in Cape Breton Highlands National Park in Nova Scotia. A Milton man captured the wild animal, leading some on social media to call it a coywolf, which is a cross between a coyote and a wolf. Ms. Larson said coyotes will eat meat, but they will also eat bird food, suet and just about anything they can eat. Is CT recycling going into the trash? Coywolves only emerged over the last century or so and have since spread successfully over much of eastern North America. They include 244 packs with more than 100 breeding pairs. As deforestation, hunting and poisoning depleted the population numbers of eastern wolves, they interbred with western coyotes. It's elevation is only about . Researchers believe coyotes heading east over the Great Lakes bred with wolves. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. If you can safely take a photo or video of wildlife in your yard, you can send those photos to Reportit@wwlp.com. Ms. Larson said they may have even reached Marthas Vineyard over sea ice. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. In fact, you don't need need to leave Massachusetts. A Hidden Destination In Pennsylvania, Wolf Sanctuary Is A Secret Only Locals Know About. New research says these large, russet coyotes, born on Cape Cod, are a hybrid of wolf and coyote. That's little relief to people like Laura Morrissey, who live right next to the Blue Hills and can hear them howling at night. Advocates note that wolves can travel hundreds of miles, and that wolf populations have already rebounded around the Great Lakes and farther west. Book now and prepare your pack for adventure. Wolves are BIG, like over 6' tall on their hind legs and close to 200 lbs. But its not unusual for people in the Northeast report canines seemingly too big and bulky to be coyotes, which typically weigh around 40 pounds (18 kilograms). (Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times/TNS)TNS. We know there have been coyotes on Huntington Avenue, walking toward the Prudential Center, in Jamaica Plain, at Logan Airport, in Athol, she said. At least 20 now live in New York City, and others have been spotted in Washington D.C., Boston and Philidelphia, While the fact that coywolves can still breed with wolves and dogs means it doesnt quite fit the definition of a new species (for some), that may change. Gray wolves now live in most of their former region. View this answer. And once in a blue moon, youll hear a howl that you know is not a coyote, said Butera, president of the Northeast Ecological Recovery Society. Wolves will bring balance to the relationship between predator and prey species in the region, bringing the ecosystem back to its original, natural state. People living in Eastern Canada and U.S. are probably familiar with the smart, adaptable wild canine that lives in their forests, neighborhood parks and even cities. Ms. Larson said there may be up to 10,000 Eastern coyotes or coywolves in the state and she is not surprised when she hears of a sighting. Many ancient pipes in CT aren't up to the task of draining storm water, yet officials just seem to shrug. Researchers believe coyotes heading east over the Great Lakes bred with wolves. Follow him on Twitter @georgebarnesTG. We are also in the midst of mating season and coyotes are going to be more aggressive with peoples' dogs.". Evolution of Wolves and Dogs YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Ms. Larson said they can be found in just about any habitat in the state, including the streets of Worcester and Boston. Fish and Wildlife officers will investigate any sighting of a suspected wolf and shoot, kill or remove any animals venturing too close to humans or making a nuisance. Are there wolves in Massachusetts? Your Privacy Rights Way views this as a tragedy. But its not happening up here. History of Wild Wolves . http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/dfw/fish-wildlife-plants/mammals/eastern-coyote-in-massachusetts.html. Nice. The story behind Bostons newest billboard. The adaptability to different food sources allows the animals to live in a wide range of habitat. The coywolves weigh 30 to 40 pounds, about 20 percent heavier than their counterparts out west. Glowa, citing DNA analyses and other evidence, said at least a half dozen wolves were killed in New York, Massachusetts, Vermont and Maine from 1993 to 2007. Animals in Massachusetts may be both: coywolf. The dog DNA might even include some tolerance for the noise of cities. What they may not know is that eastern coyotes arent true coyotes at all. The Oscars will air on ABC and can be streamed on ABC.com and the ABC app as well as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, AT&T TV or FuboTV. Beforeyou build a cage for your would-be unusual pet, double check this list to make sure your companionof choice islegal in this state. Not only are coywolves larger than Western coyotes, they are seen in many different colors. It is part eastern wolf, part wester wolf, western coyote and with some dog (large breeds like Doberman Pinschers and German Shepherds), reports The Economist. It is our duty to keep these wild animals wild and adopt one of the countless (domestic) dogs living in U.S. shelters who . Menard made it clear that, in New England, the preferred habitat of wolves would only be the northern mountainous forests of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. State wildlife officials say theres no evidence wild wolves have reestablished themselves in region, though some concede the possibility of scattered lone wolves. Minnesota has a long legacy of protecting wolves. They are still significantly smaller than Eastern wolves, which are likely their cousins, and can weigh 80 pounds, Mr. Way said. In. Some might feel that while wolves are all well and good, is it really worth it to go through all the effort to rehabilitate them in a region where they havent been for hundreds of years? One person sent to hospital after car crash in Holyoke, Holyoke St. Patricks Committee holds annual Marshal, Public input needed on how background screening impacts, Chicopee Chamber Hosts Shining Stars Awards Gala, Report: HUD needs to improve lead monitoring, Holyoke man arrested after ShotSpotter detected gun, Officials announce update in 1978 Granby Girl case, West Brookfield PD looking for stolen dirt bike owner, Blarney Blowout takes place this weekend at UMass, City officials welcome Wood-n-Tap to West Springfield, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Other than the visit by a wolf to Shelburne Falls, the only other place in New England where there have been confirmed wolf sightings is in Maine. Wolves, being animals that live and hunt in packs hesitate to encroach on human areas and are unlikely to go undetected. They are most active at night and in early morning. At least 20 now live in New York City, and others have been spotted in Washington D.C., Boston and Philidelphia, reports Michael Tanenbaum for the Philly Voice. Fish and Wildlife Service announced it had officially identified a large, dog-like animal killed in western Massachusetts last fall as a wild gray wolf. California's Known Wolves. They are often in close proximity with people. In her opinion, it was not possible to conclude the animal was a coyote or a wolf without more data.The Princeton lab is performing additional tests on samples from the animal.The issue any genetic analyst must face is the blurry line between wolves and eastern coyotes. 2023 The Boston Globe. As red wolves declined, they stopped fighting coyotes and mated with them. Eight of these species inhabit North America. In the late 1970s, gray wolves began moving into the Rockies from Canada. 1 South Carolina women rout Mississippi, reach, MLB pitchers adjusting to quick pace of new pitch, Military prospects see NFL hopes rise after policy, Helix Human Services hosts 3rd Annual Art Show &, How the WMAS Radiothon helps to support Baystate, Former Majestic Theater actor makes return to Western, Arts & Crafts: Creating realistic faux stained glass, Add a hint of Spring to your yoga routine, Best athletic wear for kids joining baseball and, How to watch all the Oscar-nominated movies in style, Best smart home devices for older users, according, Local celebrations start ahead of International Womens, Homegoing Celebration held to honor late Bishop Talbert, Springfield Museums honors Dr. Seuss birthday with, Hatfield man arrested after crashing into building, Florence man arrested after damaging two cruisers, Utility pole fire on Wilbraham Road in Springfield, Snowfall totals reported across western Massachusetts, Glendale Street in Easthampton closed on Saturday, PHOTOS: Heavy snow across western Massachusetts, TRAFFIC: Mountain Road in Easthampton closed on Saturday, LIST: Businesses, schools closed on Saturday due, What are the weather conditions like in Hampshire, Tips on protecting your heart health while shoveling.

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