Provincial wildlife authorities are embracing the accounts of uncommon canids, like coyotes and wolves, as they persist in monitoring and seeking to enhance their understanding of these creatures’ presence on the island and in Labrador.
Recent attention was drawn to the possibility of wolves on the island when Nikita Compton encountered and shared online pictures of a small group of animals near Goose Arm, located between Deer Lake and Corner Brook, leading to speculation about their identity.
The wildlife officials acknowledged the challenge of identifying the animals without testing but expressed a desire to gain a deeper insight into the overall canid population.
The Department of Forestry, Agriculture, and Lands of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, responsible for overseeing the Wildlife Division, disclosed that a distinct Newfoundland wolf subspecies, believed to be extinct since the 1930s, was once present. However, recent documentation has confirmed the presence of Labrador gray wolves on the island, with records dating back to 2008 and 2012.
Since 2013, the Wildlife Division has been investigating the movement patterns of these animals. Out of approximately 500 canid carcasses collected in the province, genetic analysis revealed that five animals had a mix of coyote and domestic dog ancestry, while four were confirmed as Labrador wolves. Additionally, 28 samples showed traces of wolf DNA.
The province reported that the wolf population on the island is low, with genetic evidence indicating interbreeding with coyotes. Given the substantial coyote population, it is likely that wolf genetics remain diluted within the canid population on the island.
The Department staff emphasized the challenges in visually identifying the genetic background of coyotes due to their natural diversity in size, color, and body proportions. They stressed the importance of ongoing research into the island’s animal life and encouraged hunters and trappers to submit coyote and wolf carcasses for further study.
In the event of encountering a coyote or wolf, the public is advised to remain calm, avoid running, make noise to deter the animal, and slowly back away if necessary. It is crucial not to encourage contact or feed wild animals.
To support the research efforts, hunters and trappers in Labrador are urged to report any canid carcasses to the Wildlife Division. The focus is not only on the island but also on improving the detection of animals with wolf genetic ancestry in Labrador.
Provincial wildlife authorities stress that coyotes and wolves are seldom aggressive towards humans but advise caution and appropriate behavior if an encounter occurs. Promoting responsible interactions with wildlife is key to ensuring safety for both animals and people.