Provincial wildlife authorities are pleased with the reports of unusual canids – coyotes and wolves – as they continue monitoring and seeking to 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 online images of a small group of animals near Goose Arm, located between Deer Lake and Corner Brook, sparking curiosity and speculation.
Questions arose regarding whether these animals were a hybrid of coyote and dog or even a mix of coyote and wolf. While wildlife officials find it challenging to definitively identify these animals without testing, they aim to enhance their comprehension of the overall canid population.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Government’s Department of Forestry, Agriculture, and Lands, which oversees the Wildlife Division, mentioned in an email that a Newfoundland wolf, believed to be distinct from the Labrador wolf, had become extinct in the 1930s. However, Labrador gray wolves have more recently been documented on the island, with cases reported in 2008 and 2012.
Since 2013, the Wildlife Division has been investigating the movements of these animals. Genetic results from around 500 canid carcasses collected in the province have been examined by biologists. Out of these, five animals exhibited a mix of coyote and domestic dog ancestry, while four were confirmed as Labrador wolves from the island. There were indications of wolf DNA in 28 samples, with another 427 samples from deceased animals collected between 2023 and 2025 awaiting genetic testing results.
The province stated that although genetic evidence suggests interbreeding between wolves and coyotes on the island, the larger coyote population is likely to keep the wolf genetics diluted within the canid population. Identifying the genetic background of a coyote solely by appearance can be complex, as coyotes naturally vary in size, coloring, and body proportions.
The province encourages hunters and trappers to submit coyote and wolf carcasses for research purposes, which will help understand the impacts of coyote colonization on the island and the movement of wolves from Labrador. Efforts are being made to increase the number of canid samples from Labrador for better detection of animals with wolf genetic ancestry.
In the event of encountering a coyote or wolf, provincial wildlife authorities advise the public that these animals are seldom aggressive towards humans. However, individuals should avoid engaging with or feeding wild animals. If faced with a coyote or wolf, it is recommended to remain calm, avoid running, make noise to deter the animal, such as yelling or clapping, and appear larger by waving arms. If the animal persists, continue making noise while slowly backing away.
For those in Labrador, it is essential to reach out to the Wildlife Division regarding any canid carcasses found. This collaborative effort aims to support ongoing research into the wildlife in the region and enhance understanding of these intriguing animals.