After a prolonged absence from Labrador, signs of the wolverine’s potential return are sparking optimism for its comeback. The wolverine, endangered in eastern Canada, had not been seen in Labrador since the 1960s. However, recent sightings of tracks near Nain have raised hopes of the elusive creature’s reappearance in the region.
Shelley Moores, the Director of the Wildlife Division in the Department of Forestry, Agriculture, and Lands, mentioned that they are actively documenting recent wolverine sightings. During caribou surveys in western Labrador last winter, some staff members reportedly observed a wolverine, capturing images that will be shared with the public later.
Though a wolverine survey in the early 2000s in northern and central Labrador yielded no sightings, Moores expressed optimism about the recent tracks near Nain. She believes these tracks could indicate the presence of more than one wolverine, hinting at a potential resurgence.
Jim Goudie, the Deputy Minister of Land and Natural Resources at Nunatsiavut Government, acknowledged the excitement surrounding the recent track sightings near Nain. While cautious about definitively confirming the wolverine’s return, he emphasized the importance of analyzing the tracks to verify their origin.
Goudie expressed his desire for the wolverine to return to its traditional habitat, seeing it as a positive sign of environmental healing. Despite the lack of official sightings in recent decades, incidental reports do surface, with Goudie noting sporadic sightings across central, west, and northern Labrador.
He highlighted the wolverine’s vast migration patterns, suggesting that multiple sightings could potentially be attributed to a single wolverine. The government receives several incidental reports annually, indicating a promising outlook for the wolverine’s resurgence in Labrador.