Provincial officials responsible for wildlife management are pleased with the reports of uncommon canids, such as coyotes and wolves, and are actively monitoring and studying their presence on the island of Newfoundland 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 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 identifying these animals without testing is challenging, wildlife officials are committed to gaining a better understanding of the overall canid population.
According to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Department of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands, there was once a Newfoundland wolf subspecies that 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. Genetic analysis of approximately 500 canid carcasses collected in the province revealed a few with a mix of coyote and domestic dog ancestry. Notably, four of the samples from the island were confirmed to be from Labrador wolves, while 28 samples showed evidence of wolf DNA.
Further genetic testing is underway on 427 samples collected from deceased animals between 2023 and 2025 to gather more insights into the canid population.
The province indicates that the wolf population on the island remains low, with genetic evidence suggesting interbreeding with coyotes. Despite this, due to the larger coyote population, the wolf genetics are likely to be diluted within the canid population of the island.
The complexity of identifying the genetic background of coyotes solely by appearance is acknowledged by department staff, who emphasize that individual coyotes can vary in size, color, and body proportions.
While the mystery surrounding the canids is intriguing, there is a call for cooperation to aid ongoing research on animal life in the province. Hunters and trappers are encouraged to submit coyote and wolf carcasses for examination to understand the impact of coyotes’ presence on the island and the potential migration of wolves from Labrador.
Additionally, efforts are being made to increase the number of canid samples from Labrador to enhance the detection of animals with wolf genetic ancestry.
In encounters with coyotes or wolves, the public is reminded that these animals are typically not aggressive towards humans. It is advised to avoid contact and refrain from feeding wild animals. If faced with a coyote or wolf, individuals should remain calm, make noise, and back away slowly to ensure their safety.
For those in Labrador, it is equally important to report any canid carcasses to the Wildlife Division for further study and monitoring.
By following these guidelines, individuals can contribute to the protection and preservation of wildlife in the region.