Provincial wildlife authorities are responding positively to sightings of unusual canids—specifically coyotes and wolves—as they work to monitor and gain a deeper understanding of these animals on the island and in Labrador.
The topic of wolves on the island resurfaced recently when Nikita Compton discovered and shared photos online depicting a small pack of animals near Goose Arm, situated between Deer Lake and Corner Brook, igniting speculation.
Were these creatures a hybrid between coyotes and dogs? Or perhaps a mix of coyote and wolf?
Wildlife officials noted that identifying these animals without testing is challenging, but they aim to enhance their understanding of the broader canid population.
Documentation of Labrador wolves on the island
The Department of Forestry, Agriculture, and Lands in Newfoundland and Labrador, which manages the Wildlife Division, mentioned in an email on Thursday evening that there was once a Newfoundland wolf, believed to be separate from the Labrador wolf. Unfortunately, this subspecies has been extinct since the 1930s.
Nonetheless, the email indicated that Labrador gray wolves have been observed on the island more recently, with initial sightings recorded in 2008 and 2012.
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Since 2013, the Wildlife Division has been studying their movements. Biologists have gathered genetic data from approximately 500 canid (coyote and wolf) carcasses collected in the province. Of these, five specimens exhibited ancestry that included a mix of coyote and domestic dog. However, four specimens from the island were confirmed to be Labrador wolves.
Furthermore, 28 samples showed signs of wolf DNA.
An additional 427 samples from deceased animals have been collected between 2023 and 2025. Results from genetic analysis on these specimens are currently awaited.
Province reports low wolf population on the island
“Genetic analysis indicates that wolves on the island have interbred with coyotes, but due to the significantly larger coyote population (in the thousands), the genetic traits of wolves are likely diluted within the island’s canid population,” stated the officials.
Department personnel emphasize that determining the genetic lineage of a coyote based solely on its appearance can be challenging. Coyotes exhibit a natural diversity in size, coloration, and body proportions.
“An individual coyote may not conform to typical characteristics of the species, but that does not imply it is a recent hybrid with a wolf or dog,” they remarked.
Nonetheless, the interest in this canid mystery is appreciated. It holds promise for advancing ongoing research into the wildlife of the province.
Incentives are available for hunters and trappers who submit coyote and wolf carcasses, from which provincial staff can gather insights into how the colonization of coyotes is affecting the island and what may be facilitating the movement of wolves from Labrador to the island.
“We are also focused on increasing the number of canid samples from Labrador to enhance our capability to identify animals with wolf genetic lineage,” the response indicated.
In essence, the focus is not limited to the island alone. Hunters and trappers in Labrador are encouraged to reach out to the Wildlife Division regarding canid carcasses.
What to do if you encounter a coyote or wolf
Currently, provincial wildlife officials remind the public that coyotes and wolves are rarely aggressive towards humans. However, it is important not to encourage interactions or feed wild animals.
If you come across any coyote or wolf, it is advisable to remain calm, avoid running, and make noise if the animal approaches, such as shouting or clapping. You can also wave your arms to appear larger. If the animal does not leave, continue making noise while slowly retreating.
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