Wolves in Atlantic Canada

Genetic testing has confirmed that a large canid shot in Newfoundland this March was indeed a wolf.  It is suspected that the animal came across the ice from the mainland.  Labrador wolves have a stable population in Northern Quebec and Labrador.  Newfoundland had been home to their own subspecies of gray wolf, the Newfoundland wolf, until the 1930’s when they became extinct.    This discovery follows the confirmation that the animal shot in New Brunswick this April was also a wolf (Gray wolf, Eastern wolf mix).  There is still speculation on the details of why these animals are beginning to show up in areas where they have been absent for so long.  The provinces are planning on monitoring possible sightings of wolves, but admit that it is difficult for the public to determine the difference between wolves and the closely related coyote, unless genetic testing is done.

For related articles please see:

http://atlantic.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20120525/wolf_ice_120525/20120525/?hub=AtlanticHome

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/story/2012/05/11/nb-wolf-protection.html