Tests to determine if huge animal was a coyote

Biologists at Memorial University of Newfoundland are examining the carcass of a large animal shot last week on the Bonavista Peninsula to determine exactly what it was.

They'll try to figure out if it's acoyote, a wolf, or a mix-breed.

It is expected to be at least a weekbefore scientists have results.

Joe Fleming, the hunter who shot the 37-kilogram animal, said hebrought itto the wildlife office in Clarenville where hair and blood samples were taken for analysis.

Fleming said wildlife officers believe it is a coyote, but he's awaiting test results for final confirmation.

It has been suggested that coyotes,which aren't native to the island of Newfoundland, cross-bred with wolves as they expanded their range east.

Wolves once populated the island but the native population was hunted to extinction many decades ago.

Prize-winning coyote?

The Outdoor Supply Store in Lewisporte runs a number of coyote contests, and it's offering togive a new rifle to the hunterwho kills the largest coyote this season. Fleming is now the frontrunner for the prize.

The store has received about 50 coyotes since the season opened. Fleming's outweighs the others by about 12 kilograms.

The coyoteis expected tobe stuffed and placed on permanent display at the store in Lewisporte.