Provincial wildlife authorities are embracing sightings of uncommon canids, such as coyotes and wolves, as they persist in monitoring and seeking to gain a better understanding of the presence of these animals on the island and in Labrador.
Recent attention was drawn to the possibility of wolves on the island when Nikita Compton shared images online of a small group of animals near Goose Arm, located between Deer Lake and Corner Brook, leading to speculation about their identity. Could they be a hybrid of coyote and dog, or perhaps coyote and wolf?
Although ascertaining the exact nature of these animals without testing is challenging, wildlife officials are eager to enhance their comprehension of the general canid population.
The Department of Forestry, Agriculture, and Lands of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, which oversees the Wildlife Division, revealed that a Newfoundland wolf, believed to be distinct from the Labrador wolf, was extinct by the 1930s. Nevertheless, Labrador gray wolves have been more recently observed on the island, with documented cases in 2008 and 2012.
Since 2013, the Wildlife Division has been investigating the movements of these animals. Genetic analyses have been conducted on approximately 500 canid carcasses collected in the province, revealing that while five animals exhibited a mix of coyote and domestic dog ancestry, four animals were confirmed as Labrador wolves. Notably, 28 samples showed evidence of wolf DNA.
Further genetic testing is currently pending on 427 samples from deceased animals collected between 2023-2025. The results are eagerly awaited.
According to staff, genetic evidence indicates that wolves on the island have interbred with coyotes. However, given the larger population of coyotes (thousands), the wolf genetics are expected to remain diluted within the island’s canid population. Distinguishing the genetic background of a coyote solely based on appearance is challenging since coyotes naturally vary in size, color, and body structure.
The ongoing interest in the canid mystery is encouraged as it could aid in the research on animal life in the province. Hunters and trappers are incentivized to submit coyote and wolf carcasses to provide insights into the impact of coyotes’ presence on the island and the factors enabling wolves to migrate from Labrador to the island.
Efforts are being made to increase the number of canid samples from Labrador to enhance the detection of animals with wolf genetic ancestry.
In Labrador, hunters and trappers are also urged to report canid carcasses to the Wildlife Division, highlighting the importance of collaboration beyond the island.
Provincial wildlife authorities emphasize that coyotes and wolves are seldom aggressive towards humans. Nevertheless, individuals should avoid initiating contact with these animals or feeding them. If encountering a coyote or wolf, it is advisable to remain calm, avoid running, make noise to deter the animal, and appear larger by waving arms. If the animal persists, one should continue making noise while slowly retreating.
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