Another Wolf Identified

[Brandon Pickett]

http://www.vocm.com/newsarticle.asp?mn=2&ID=26024

DNA testing has confirmed that an animal trapped three years ago by a resident of the Baie Verte Peninsula was a Labrador wolf.  The finding follows extensive genetic testing by Memorial University and the University of Idaho. Terry French, Minister of Environment and Conservation, says after an animal shot in March by a resident of the Bonavista Peninsula was confirmed as a Labrador wolf, the department reviewed earlier work and re-tested any samples with DNA consistent with dog or wolf. In the past, the lab doing the analysis on those samples did not have any samples from Labrador wolf to compare with.

Both labs have now confirmed that a sample from a large coyote-like animal trapped on the Baie Verte Peninsula in 2009 was, in fact, a wolf. French says the DNA of the animal matches the genetics of the Labrador wolf population and is like the animal that was shot on the Bonavista Peninsula.

 

He says the department will continue to collect predator samples for DNA analysis and will report any further evidence of wolves on the island of Newfoundland. The Newfoundland wolf became extinct on the island around 1930, but the grey wolf is common in Labrador. Although wolves may occasionally arrive from Labrador, there is no evidence of a breeding population on the island portion of the province. 

[mac]

Hey Brandon, The pack is back at least 6. minus the one I had stolen by the thief!!!! Big one too.

[kenneth Griffiths]

Ya having a season on something that just got here is not the way to go. I have seen some great pic's of wolves and would like to to stay around for a while.

[Jeremy Kelly]

if there was one trapped in bay verte a few years ago one shot in bonavista one picked up on camera in the park there's more a lot more id say i found it odd that one drifted on ice from Labrador to bonavista that's a fair distance but know that more and more are popping up across the island they've been here for awhile making their way across the island. Id be willing to bet more were seen and nothing was said because again we all thought there were no wolves

[Brandon Pickett]

No pictures or any evidence of the fourth one is there?

[Tony Cooney]

The 4 one was on the west coast few weeks back  I have 2 tail cams that will be going up when trapping season is on the go

[Brandon Pickett]

Where did the fourth come from Tony? All I've confirmed so far is three. The one Joey shot, the one in Terra Nova captured on video, and now the one in Baie Verte. Mac's photos and videos are very intriguing though. We need to set up some trail cameras to capture more of these beasts.

I suspect in the next little while a pup will be captured by the means of a trap or camera. Wolves will be confirmed on the island when a pup is sighted (which would be the same way how coyotes were confirmed to be on the island), or pack behaviour consisting of a dominant male and female is spotted. 

[Tony Cooney]

Hey Mac, the big cat for sure needs to come out  !!!!  When I did my trapping course the head of the trappers believes it is here and I believe the wildlife knows it here but will not come out and say it.

As for the wolves, to my count that is 4.  mmmm  wonder will there be a season for them but i guess like everything else only time will tell

[mac]

Hey Brandon, we have wolves yea haw. Haven't someone been beating their gums over this past few years. Now the big question"What is the wildlife going to do about them? I don't want to see them eradicated for sure. They were here before we came.

Looks like the big cat might be next!!!!!