Provincial wildlife authorities are pleased with the reports of uncommon canids, such as coyotes and wolves, as they work to monitor and gain further insights into the presence of these animals on the island of Newfoundland and in Labrador.
Recent attention was drawn to the possibility of wolves on the island when Nikita Compton shared online images of a small group of animals near Goose Arm, sparking curiosity about whether they could be a hybrid of coyotes and dogs or even coyotes and wolves.
Although it is challenging to definitively identify these animals without testing, wildlife officials are eager to enhance their understanding of the overall canid population.
The Department of Forestry, Agriculture, and Lands of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, which oversees the Wildlife Division, mentioned that there was a Newfoundland wolf, believed to be distinct from the Labrador wolf, which is now extinct since the 1930s. However, Labrador gray wolves have been more recently observed on the island, with documented cases in 2008 and 2012.
Starting in 2013, the Wildlife Division has been investigating the movements of these animals. Genetic analysis has been conducted on around 500 canid carcasses in the province, revealing a mix of coyote and domestic dog ancestry in five animals and confirming four animals as Labrador wolves.
Additionally, there have been indications of wolf DNA in 28 samples, with another 427 samples from deceased animals collected between 2023 and 2025 awaiting genetic testing results.
According to the staff, genetic evidence suggests that the wolf population on the island has interbred with coyotes. However, due to the much larger coyote population, the wolf genetics are likely to remain diluted within the canid population on the island.
The staff also noted the challenges in determining the genetic background of a coyote based on appearance alone since coyotes exhibit natural diversity in size, color, and body proportions.
The ongoing interest in understanding the canid situation is seen as beneficial for research on animal life in the province. Hunters and trappers are encouraged to submit coyote and wolf carcasses to provide valuable information on the impact of coyotes on the island and the potential migration of wolves from Labrador.
Efforts are being made to increase the number of canid samples from Labrador to improve the detection of animals with wolf genetic ancestry, indicating a broader scope beyond the island itself.
In the event of encountering a coyote or wolf, provincial wildlife authorities advise the public that these animals are typically not aggressive towards humans. However, it is crucial not to provoke contact or feed wild animals. If an encounter occurs, individuals are advised to remain calm, avoid running, and make noise to deter the animal, such as yelling or clapping, while appearing larger by waving their arms. If the animal persists, it is recommended to continue making noise while gradually moving away.
The public is reminded to stay vigilant and cautious when encountering these animals in the wild.
