Wildlife authorities in the province are pleased with the sightings of unusual canids, such as coyotes and wolves, as they strive to monitor and gain more insights into the presence of these animals on the island and in Labrador. Recently, there was renewed interest in the possibility of wolves on the island when Nikita Compton shared images online of a small pack of animals near Goose Arm, sparking curiosity about whether they were a hybrid of coyotes and dogs or even coyotes and wolves.
While it is challenging to definitively identify the animals without testing, wildlife officials aim to enhance their understanding of the overall canid population. The Newfoundland and Labrador government’s Department of Forestry, Agriculture, and Lands, which oversees the Wildlife Division, revealed that a Newfoundland wolf, believed to be distinct from the Labrador wolf subspecies, became extinct in 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 studying the movements of these animals and has analyzed genetic data from approximately 500 canid carcasses collected in the province. Among these, five animals displayed a mix of coyote and domestic dog ancestry, while four were confirmed as Labrador wolves from the island. Additionally, 28 samples showed evidence of some level of wolf DNA. Further genetic testing is pending on 427 samples obtained from deceased animals collected between 2023 and 2025.
According to department staff, genetic evidence indicates that wolves on the island have interbred with coyotes, but due to the larger coyote population, the wolf genetics are likely to remain diluted within the island’s canid population. They added that identifying the genetic background of a coyote solely based on its appearance can be challenging, as coyotes vary naturally in size, color, and body proportions.
Encouragement for hunters and trappers to submit coyote and wolf carcasses for research purposes is ongoing to gather information on the impact of coyotes’ presence on the island and understand how wolves might be migrating from Labrador. Efforts are also being made to increase the number of canid samples from Labrador to improve the detection of animals with wolf genetic ancestry.
In the event of encountering a coyote or wolf, provincial wildlife advises the public that these animals are seldom aggressive towards humans. However, it is crucial not to approach or feed them. If faced with a coyote or wolf, individuals are advised to remain calm, avoid running, and make noise to deter the animal, such as yelling or clapping. Additionally, waving arms to appear larger and slowly backing away is recommended if the animal persists.
It is essential to note that if you encounter any coyote or wolf, maintaining a safe distance and taking necessary precautions are key.