After years of absence, signs indicate the wolverine may be returning to Labrador, raising hopes for its official comeback. Considered endangered in eastern Canada, the wolverine was last sighted in Labrador during the 1960s. Recent tracks near Nain have sparked excitement that the elusive creature may have reappeared in the region.
Shelley Moores, Wildlife Division director in the Department of Forestry, Agriculture, and Lands, mentioned ongoing efforts to document recent sightings. Encounters with wolverines have been reported by staff during caribou surveys in western Labrador, with images captured during the surveys set to be shared publicly in the future.
In the early 2000s, a wolverine survey in northern and central Labrador yielded no sightings, leading to discussions on the potential of natural population growth elsewhere in Canada leading to immigration into Quebec and Labrador. Moores expressed optimism regarding the recent tracks near Nain, suggesting they indicate the presence of more than one wolverine, building anticipation for additional images.
Jim Goudie, Nunatsiavut Government deputy minister of Land and Natural Resources, expressed cautious optimism about the tracks near Nain potentially signaling the wolverine’s return. While awaiting analysis to confirm the tracks belong to a wolverine, Goudie emphasized the importance of the creature reestablishing itself in its former habitat as a positive environmental indicator.
Although officially unseen for decades, incidental reports of wolverine sightings, including one in the Postville area three years ago, continue to reach the government. Goudie highlighted the broad migration patterns of wolverines, suggesting that multiple sightings could potentially be attributed to a single wandering wolverine.
Overall, the potential resurgence of the Labrador wolverine has sparked interest and hope within the region, with stakeholders eagerly awaiting further developments in the ongoing monitoring efforts.