Provincial wildlife authorities are pleased with sightings of uncommon canids, such as coyotes and wolves, as they endeavor to monitor and gain a deeper understanding of these animals’ presence in Newfoundland and 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, sparking curiosity about their identity. Speculation arose whether they were a hybrid of coyotes and dogs or even a mix of coyotes and wolves.
Although wildlife officials find it challenging to determine the exact nature of these animals without testing, they aim to enhance their knowledge of the overall canid population.
The Department of Forestry, Agriculture, and Lands of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, responsible for overseeing the Wildlife Division, mentioned in an email that a Newfoundland wolf, believed to be distinct from the Labrador wolf, became extinct in the 1930s. However, they confirmed that Labrador gray wolves have been more recently sighted on the island, with the first instances recorded in 2008 and 2012.
Since 2013, the Wildlife Division has been studying the movement of these animals. Genetic analysis has been conducted on approximately 500 canid (wolf and coyote) carcasses in the province, revealing that while five animals showed a mix of coyote and domestic dog ancestry, four animals from the island were confirmed as Labrador wolves. Notably, 28 samples showed evidence of wolf DNA.
The department emphasized that the wolf population on the island remains low, with genetic evidence suggesting interbreeding between wolves and coyotes. Despite the wolf genetics being diluted within the island’s canid population due to the larger coyote population, the staff highlighted the challenge in accurately determining the genetic background of a coyote based on appearance alone.
Notably, hunters and trappers are incentivized to submit coyote and wolf carcasses to aid in research on the impact of coyotes’ presence on the island and the movement of wolves from Labrador. Efforts are also underway to increase the number of canid samples from Labrador to enhance the detection of animals with wolf genetic ancestry.
In case of an encounter with a coyote or wolf, provincial wildlife authorities advise the public to remain calm and avoid encouraging contact or feeding wild animals. If faced with such an encounter, individuals are recommended to stay composed, make noise to deter the animal, and slowly back away if necessary.
Overall, interest in understanding the canid population is appreciated as it contributes to ongoing research on animal life in the region. Wildlife enthusiasts, including hunters and trappers in Labrador, are encouraged to report canid carcasses to the Wildlife Division for further study.
