I think it's important to note that the hunter was confident that the animal he was firing at was a coyote, which is an invasive species to the province. There's plenty of evidence to suggest that coyotes are a threat to the island's caribou herds, which are one of our most important natural resources. I've twice in my life witnessed wild caribou herds, it's an amazing sight and an unforgettable experience. And if the non-native coyote represents a threat to their population, I firmly believe we should be rid of them.

Ahhh.. I love newfoundland. My grandparents live there, my father is from there. Been there spordically all my life. I love it there.

I dont particularly how they build a trillion homes in st johns. Destroyed quite a few beautiful places.

I think it would be interesting to see if the wolves are there, they are native to the island afterall, its just impossible for them to cross, They are part of the natural cycle. I believe they would also help with the coyote problem , i think they might be yummy to a wolf.

Peace from NS.

Beautiful creature but you can tell it's looks are not even close to that of a coyote. Although I understand the nuisance that coyotes can be.

He sure was a pretty boy tho....

What you are calling an "invasive" animal obviously can't read the signs posted around the borders of the province that tell coyotes to keep out! These animals have always been native to North America, and unlike most of our wildlife, they have managed to adapt somewhat to living alongside humans. Much like raccoons, coyotes have learned to live off what we throw away, and can often be found living in parklands in and around our cities. In areas where coyote numbers are higher than normal, they can be a problem for livestock farmers, especially those who raise sheep. Lambing season is usually the worst period for coyote kills, as the scent of fresh placentas can be detected by a pack of coyotes from several miles away. If you want to do some varmint hunting, most sheep farmers will be glad to allow you onto their properties in the hopes of ending the problem.
Thinning out their numbers in problem areas is one thing, but to try wiping out the entire coyote population in any area is something I just can't agree with, especially when it is us humans who have many times unknowingly been guilty of attracting these highly intelligent animals in the first place. Remember too that there are many cases of livestock being attacked by domestic dogs that are allowed to run loose by their owners. The main difference that I've found between a dog pack kill and that of coyotes is that the dogs will often slaughter several animals, whereas the coyotes will kill and take only what they need.

No wolf and about 500,000 Moose, .... which are not indegenous to the area.

If the logic that coyotes/wolves/other predators should be shot and killed to control the population, or remove them from where the are not "supposed" to be, is acceptable, couldn't we say the same thing about humans? We too are a predator, the only difference is wild animals kill to live. We on the other hand, kill for the fun of it.

Originally posted by HairlessApe

The hunter had likely never seen a wolf in person. It's not so easy to tell the difference when looking through the scope of a rifle, on a bed of white snow, nothing for scale. It's far too easy to make judgements and assumptions.

The Newfoundland Wolf was a sub-species of the Gray Wolf hunted to extinction in the '30s. In the title I was referring to the Newfoundland Wolf, not to any other related species.

I wonder if you're not just a anti-hunting fanatic being obtuse, or if you're genuinely unaware. If the latter happens to be the case, I'm more than happy to oblige you in this conversation.