The Red Wolf

Geographical Data

The red wolf, otherwise known as canis rufus, once lived in the forests as far north as Pennsylvania and as far west as Central Texas. By 1970 the red wolf's range was decreased to just the very southeastern border of Texas and the southwestern border of Louisiana. Today, red wolves mostly live in northeastern North Carolina. 

Animal Biology

The red wolf is a member of the canine family. It is a fairly small mammal with its weight ranging from 40-75 lbs. The red wolf also has a narrow physique and short fur. Their diet consists of small rodents, insects, berries and occasionally deer. The red wolf is nocturnal. They communicate by scent, vocal communications, facial expressions and body postures.  Red wolves are very shy, secretive creatures that generally hunt alone. Though red wolves are solitary hunters, a pair of them may stick together for life.

Animal Status

Currently there are about 100 red wolves left in the wild. There are many organizations who keep them in captivity for conservation efforts though. Red wolves face many threats from people such as human development, negative attitudes towards red wolves, deaths from motor vehicles, illegal killings and interbreeding with the coyote. In 1980 the U.S. fish and wildlife service rounded up less than 20 red wolves to be bred in captivity. Red wolves were once declared extinct in the wild, but luckily many foundations who breed them in captivity have managed to bring their numbers back up to nearly 100.

Conservation Efforts

Many organizations are dedicated to keeping this critically endangered species, the red wolf, alive. Some of these organizations are Wildlife Defenders, Chattanooga Nature Center and the Red Wolf Recovery Program. Wildlife Defenders is running programs such as adopting a red wolf, the wolf saving gift and the wildlife action center. Their program support is 88% and their fundraising is 12%. 14 years after the red wolf captive breeding program began 4 red wolves were released into a part of their natural habitat. 2007 was the 20th anniversary of the day the first red wolf litter was born at PDZA. For the red wolf recovery program's amazing efforts they were given the nation's top conservation award.

Save The Red Wolves!

The red wolf is a critically endangered species that once roamed throughout most of the south eastern states. Today they live only in small parts of North Carolina, though there are many kept in captivity for research and breeding programs. One such organization is the Chattanooga Nature Center, located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Here are 13 simple ways CNC suggests to protect wildlife:

• Prevent pet cats and dogs from attacking and/or "playing with" wildlife.
• Alert birds to large expanses of glass in your home.
• Educate children and friends to respect and care for wildlife.
• Pick up litter and refuse packaging that can harm wildlife.
• Be alert when driving.
• As a general rule, leave infant wildlife alone.
• Place caps on all your chimneys and vents to prevent birds from getting caught.
• Do not leave fishing lines or fishing hooks unattended.
• Before mowing your lawn check to make sure there are no animals nesting or grazing.
• Check trees to make sure there are no animals nesting in it before cutting it down.
• Use non-toxic products.
• Motor oil should not be left in oil pans.
• Do not attempt to raise wildlife or keep it as a pet.

These are just simple things you can do to help wildlife in general. For more information on the red wolf and the adopt a red wolf program select the link 'CNC Home Page'.