The mystery wild dog from yesterday was a culpeo (Lycalopex culpaeus), the largest of the South American “foxes,” which are more appropriately called “zorros.” They are actually far more closely related to the genus Canis and its allies. In recent years, it has been commonplace for the genus for the South American “foxes” to be referred to as Lycalopex, which is derived from the Greek words for wolf (Lycaon) and fox (Alopex).
This particular culpeo is performing the deed for which they are famous– begging for food. They are also not above stealing food or robbing hen houses. They are considered sheep-killers in their native range. They also have recently been found to prey on South American camelid crias, which may be one reason why domestic llamas typically hate dogs with a passion.
The name for this species is derived from culpable, the Spanish word for guilty. (It is not pronounced the same as the English word “culpable.”)
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Mea Culpeo… brilliant.
That Latin was bound to come in handy some day. Amo, amas, amat…..
I had 3 years of Spanish and one year of Latin. My Latin sucks, but my Spanish is okay.