Wildlife officials in the province are pleased with the sightings of unusual canids, such as coyotes and wolves, as they work to monitor and gain a better understanding of these animals’ presence in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Recently, there was renewed interest in the possibility of wolves on the island when Nikita Compton shared images online of a small group of animals near Goose Arm, sparking curiosity about their identity. Speculations arose about whether they were a hybrid of coyote and dog or even coyote and wolf.
While identifying the animals without testing is challenging, wildlife officials aim to enhance their knowledge of the canid population as a whole.
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, went extinct in the 1930s. However, Labrador gray wolves have been more recently documented on the island, with initial cases reported in 2008 and 2012.
Since 2013, the Wildlife Division has been studying the movement of these animals. Genetic analysis of around 500 canid carcasses collected in the province showed that while five animals had a mix of coyote and domestic dog ancestry, four animals were confirmed as Labrador wolves. Some level of wolf DNA was detected in 28 samples.
Further genetic testing is pending for an additional 427 samples from deceased animals gathered between 2023 and 2025.
The province indicates that the wolf population on the island is low, with genetic evidence suggesting interbreeding with coyotes. Due to the larger coyote population, it is likely that wolf genetics remain diluted within the island’s canid population.
The Department staff highlighted the challenges of determining the genetic background of coyotes based on appearance, as they naturally vary in size, color, and body proportions.
Efforts to increase the number of canid samples from Labrador are ongoing to improve the detection of animals with wolf genetic ancestry.
In encounters with coyotes or wolves, the public is advised that these animals are seldom aggressive towards humans. It is important not to provoke contact or feed wild animals. If encountering a coyote or wolf, individuals should remain calm, avoid running, make noise to deter the animal, and slowly back away if needed.
Hunters and trappers are encouraged to report any canid carcasses, as this information aids in understanding the impact of coyotes and the movement of wolves from Labrador to the island.
Ultimately, cooperation from the public is vital in assisting ongoing research on wildlife in the province.