Provincial wildlife authorities are pleased with the reports of uncommon canids – a mix of coyotes and wolves – as they persist in monitoring and seeking a better comprehension of the existence of these animals 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 small group of animals near Goose Arm, situated between Deer Lake and Corner Brook, sparking curiosity. Were they a crossbreed of coyotes and dogs? Or maybe a mix of coyotes and wolves?
Although wildlife officials mentioned it is challenging to determine the exact identity of these animals without testing, they aim to gain deeper insights into the overall canid population.
The Department of Forestry, Agriculture, and Lands of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, which supervises the Wildlife Division, disclosed via email that a distinct Newfoundland wolf, separate from the Labrador wolf, was believed to have existed but has been extinct since the 1930s. However, Labrador gray wolves have been more recently documented on the island, with initial cases reported in 2008 and 2012.
Starting in 2013, the Wildlife Division initiated investigations into their movements. Biologists have analyzed genetic outcomes from approximately 500 canid (wolf and coyote) carcasses collected in the province. Among them, five animals showed a blend of coyote and domestic dog ancestry, whereas four animals from the island were confirmed as Labrador wolves. Notably, 28 samples displayed evidence of some level of wolf DNA.
Additional genetic testing is underway on 427 samples from deceased animals gathered between 2023 and 2025 to unveil more insights into the genetic composition.
According to staff, genetic evidence indicates that wolves on the island have interbred with coyotes, but given the substantial coyote population (thousands), the wolf genetics are likely to remain diluted within the island’s canid population. Identifying the genetic background of a coyote solely by visual observation is challenging, as coyotes vary naturally in size, color, and body proportions.
The involvement and curiosity surrounding the canid mystery are encouraged to contribute to ongoing research on animal life in the province. Hunters and trappers are incentivized to submit coyote and wolf carcasses to aid provincial staff in understanding the effects of coyotes’ establishment on the island and the potential pathways for wolves to migrate from Labrador to the island. Furthermore, efforts are being made to enhance the number of canid samples from Labrador to improve the detection of animals with wolf genetic ancestry.
In summary, the focus extends beyond the island, as hunters and trappers in Labrador are urged to communicate with the Wildlife Division regarding canid carcasses.
Regarding encounters with coyotes or wolves, provincial wildlife authorities emphasize that these animals seldom display aggression towards humans. Nevertheless, people should refrain from interacting with or feeding wild animals. If an encounter with a coyote or wolf occurs, it is recommended to remain calm, avoid running, and produce noise if the animal approaches, such as shouting or clapping. Making oneself appear larger by waving arms and slowly backing away while making noise is advised if the animal persists.
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