Wildlife authorities in the province are pleased to receive reports of uncommon canids, such as coyotes and wolves, as they work to monitor and gain more insight into the presence of these animals on the island and in Labrador.

Recently, the possibility of wolves being present on the island resurfaced when Nikita Compton shared images online of a small group of animals near Goose Arm, which lies between Deer Lake and Corner Brook. This led to speculation about whether they were a hybrid of coyote and dog, or possibly coyote and wolf.

While identifying these animals without testing is challenging, officials aim to enhance their understanding of the overall canid population. Despite the Newfoundland wolf being extinct since the 1930s, Labrador gray wolves have been more recently documented on the island, with occurrences noted in 2008 and 2012.

Since 2013, the Wildlife Division has been studying the movements of these animals. Genetic analysis of approximately 500 canid carcasses collected in the province has revealed that five animals displayed a mix of coyote and domestic dog ancestry, while four animals were confirmed as Labrador wolves. Notably, 28 samples showed evidence of wolf DNA.

According to the department, the wolf population on the island is low, and genetic evidence suggests interbreeding with coyotes. Despite the challenges in discerning the genetic background of a coyote based on appearance alone, there is ongoing interest in unraveling the canid mystery to aid research into the wildlife in the province.

To improve detection of animals with wolf genetic ancestry, efforts are being made to increase the number of canid samples from Labrador. Hunters and trappers are encouraged to report coyote and wolf carcasses to the Wildlife Division for further study.

In case of encountering a coyote or wolf, it is advised to remain calm and avoid running. Making noise, waving arms, and slowly backing away can help deter the animal. Remember that coyotes and wolves are seldom aggressive towards humans, but it is essential not to provoke or feed wild animals.

It is essential to take precautions and maintain a safe distance if you come across any coyotes or wolves in the wild. Remember to act responsibly and respect the wildlife while enjoying the natural beauty of the province.