Wolves were a topic of discussion during debate on the Wildlife Act in the House of Assembly Thursday.

Minister Pleaman Forsey was questioned by various MHAs about the department and provisions related to hunting and fishing in the province.

Among the topics discussed was the wolf population on the island and whether it falls under general rules surrounding the hunting of coyotes or requires special protection.

Coyotes have been added to the list of fur-bearing animals in the Hunting and Fishing Guide.

Back in 2012 a hunter on the Bonavista Peninsula shot an animal that turned out to be a full-bred Labrador wolf.

Since then numerous wolves and wolf-coyote hybrids have been confirmed on the island through DNA testing. Avid angler and NDP Leader Jim Dinn questioned Minister Forsey about the wolf population on the island.

“Are there wolves back on the island now? Have they re-established themselves?” Dinn asked.

Forsey confirmed there are wolves on the island, and he promised to get the exact number.

Dinn wanted to know what provisions are in the legislation differentiating wolves from coywolves and coyotes.

“So we have, I guess, wolves in coyote clothing,” says Dinn.  He wanted to know whether the regulations address identification of the species and differentiating between wolves, coyotes and coy-wolves.  Minister Forsey says “its up to the hunter to know what they’re shooting.”