Provincial wildlife authorities are pleased with sightings of unusual canids, such as coyotes and wolves, as they continue to monitor and investigate 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 photos online of a small group of animals near Goose Arm, sparking discussion about whether they might be a hybrid of coyotes and dogs or even coyotes and wolves.
Although confirming the identity of these animals without testing is challenging, wildlife officials aim to gain a better understanding of the overall canid population.
According to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Department of Forestry, Agriculture, and Lands, which oversees the Wildlife Division, a Newfoundland wolf subspecies, believed to be distinct from the Labrador wolf, became extinct in the 1930s. However, 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 studying the movement of these animals. Genetic testing on approximately 500 canid carcasses collected in the province revealed that while five animals had a mix of coyote and domestic dog ancestry, four animals from the island were confirmed as Labrador wolves. Additionally, 28 samples showed evidence of wolf DNA.
Despite the low wolf population on the island, genetic evidence suggests interbreeding between wolves and coyotes. The larger coyote population is likely to dilute wolf genetics within the island’s canid population.
The Wildlife Division encourages hunters and trappers to submit coyote and wolf carcasses for research purposes to understand the impacts of coyote colonization on the island and the potential for wolves to travel from Labrador. Efforts are underway to increase canid samples from Labrador to enhance the detection of animals with wolf genetic ancestry.
Regarding encounters with coyotes or wolves, provincial wildlife advises the public that these animals are seldom aggressive towards humans. It is important not to engage with or feed wild animals. If encountering a coyote or wolf, individuals should remain calm, avoid running, make loud noises, wave arms to appear larger, and slowly back away if the animal approaches.