Provincial wildlife authorities are pleased with the sightings of uncommon canids, including coyotes and wolves, as they strive to monitor and gain a better understanding of these animals’ presence on the island and in Labrador.
Recently, attention was drawn to the possibility of wolves on the island after 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 mix of coyote and dog, or perhaps even coyote and wolf.
While determining the exact species of 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, mentioned in an email that a Newfoundland wolf, believed to be distinct from the Labrador wolf, is extinct since the 1930s. However, Labrador gray wolves have been more recently observed on the island, with documented cases in 2008 and 2012.
Since 2013, the Wildlife Division has been investigating the movement of these animals. Genetic analysis has been conducted on approximately 500 canid carcasses collected in the province, revealing five animals with a mix of coyote and domestic dog ancestry, along with four confirmed Labrador wolves among the samples.
Despite evidence of wolf DNA in 28 samples, there are 427 more samples from deceased animals collected between 2023 and 2025 awaiting genetic testing results.
According to staff, genetic evidence indicates that wolves on the island have interbred with coyotes, but due to the larger coyote population compared to wolves, the wolf genetics are likely to remain diluted within the canid population on the island. Identifying the genetic background of a coyote solely based on appearance is challenging, as coyotes naturally vary in size, color, and body proportions.
The involvement and interest in understanding the canid mystery are encouraged, as it could aid ongoing research on animal life in the province. Hunters and trappers are incentivized to submit coyote and wolf carcasses to provide valuable information on the impact of coyote colonization on the island and the potential travel of wolves from Labrador to the island.
Additionally, efforts are being made to increase the number of canid samples from Labrador to improve the detection of animals with wolf genetic ancestry. This initiative extends beyond the island, as hunters and trappers in Labrador are urged to contact the Wildlife Division regarding canid carcasses.
Wildlife authorities advise the public that coyotes and wolves seldom exhibit aggression towards humans. Nonetheless, individuals should refrain from initiating contact with these animals or feeding them. If encountering a coyote or wolf, it is advised to remain calm, avoid running, and create noise by yelling or clapping if the animal approaches. Making oneself appear larger by waving arms and slowly backing away while continuing to make noise is recommended if the animal does not retreat.
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