Wildlife officials in the province are pleased with the sightings of uncommon canids, such as 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 when Nikita Compton encountered and shared images online of a group of animals near Goose Arm, sparking speculation 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 understanding of the broader canid population. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Department of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands, which oversees the Wildlife Division, mentioned that a Newfoundland wolf, believed to be distinct from the Labrador wolf, became extinct in the 1930s. However, Labrador gray wolves have been more recently observed on the island, with documented cases dating back to 2008 and 2012.
Since 2013, the Wildlife Division has been investigating the movement of these canids. Genetic analyses conducted on around 500 wolf and coyote carcasses collected in the province revealed that five animals exhibited a mix of coyote and domestic dog ancestry, while four animals were confirmed as Labrador wolves. Additionally, 28 samples showed evidence of wolf DNA.
The province acknowledges that the wolf population on the island is low, with genetic evidence suggesting interbreeding between wolves and coyotes. Despite the difficulty in visually determining a coyote’s genetic background due to their natural diversity in size and appearance, continued interest in understanding the canid situation is encouraged for ongoing research into wildlife in the region.
Hunters and trappers are incentivized to submit coyote and wolf carcasses, enabling provincial staff to gather information on the impact of coyotes’ establishment on the island and the potential factors facilitating wolves’ migration from Labrador. Efforts are being made to increase the number of canid samples from Labrador to enhance the detection of animals with wolf genetic heritage.
In the event of encountering a coyote or wolf, the public is reminded that these animals are rarely aggressive towards humans. Nonetheless, it is advised not to approach or feed wild animals. If confronted by a coyote or wolf, individuals should remain calm, avoid running, and make loud noises to deter the animal. It is suggested to appear larger by waving arms and slowly backing away while continuing to make noise if the animal persists.
Overall, the collaboration between wildlife officials and the public is crucial in monitoring and understanding the canid population, ensuring the safety and coexistence of humans and these wild animals.