Provincial wildlife authorities are pleased with reports of unusual canids, such as coyotes and wolves, as they persist in monitoring and seeking a deeper comprehension 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 images online of a small group of animals near Goose Arm, situated between Deer Lake and Corner Brook, sparking intrigue. Speculation arose regarding whether they were a hybrid of coyote and dog or even coyote and wolf.
While wildlife officials acknowledge the challenge of identifying the animals without testing, they aim to enhance their understanding of the canid population overall.
The Department of Forestry, Agriculture, and Lands of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, overseeing the Wildlife Division, disclosed in an email that there was a Newfoundland wolf, believed to be distinct from the Labrador wolf, although this subspecies became extinct in the 1930s. However, Labrador gray wolves have been more recently observed on the island, with initial cases reported in 2008 and 2012.
Since 2013, the Wildlife Division has been researching their movements. Through genetic analysis of around 500 canid carcasses collected in the province, biologists have identified five animals with a mix of coyote and domestic dog ancestry, while four animals from the island were confirmed as Labrador wolves. Notably, 28 samples showed evidence of wolf DNA.
Furthermore, there are 427 samples from deceased animals gathered between 2023 and 2025 awaiting genetic testing results.
The province indicated that the wolf population on the island is low, as genetic evidence suggests interbreeding between wolves and coyotes. However, due to the larger coyote population, the wolf genetics are likely to remain diluted within the canid population.
Notably, it can be challenging to determine the genetic background of a coyote solely by appearance, as coyotes exhibit natural diversity in size, color, and body proportions.
In the spirit of fostering interest in the canid mystery, individuals 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 in understanding the impacts of coyote colonization on the island and the potential pathways for wolves from Labrador.
Efforts are underway to increase the number of canid samples from Labrador to enhance the detection of animals with wolf genetic ancestry.
In situations where encounters with coyotes or wolves occur, provincial wildlife authorities advise the public that these animals are rarely aggressive towards humans. Nonetheless, individuals are cautioned against provoking contact or feeding wild animals. If faced with a coyote or wolf, the recommended response is to remain calm, avoid running, and create noise to deter the animal, such as yelling or clapping. It is advised to appear larger by waving arms and, if necessary, slowly back away while maintaining noise to encourage the animal to retreat.
It is essential to note that hunters and trappers in Labrador are also encouraged to report canid carcasses to the Wildlife Division.