Native to the United States, red wolves Canis rufus have a tawny, reddish coat, and they are intermediate in size between grey wolves and coyotes. Nevertheless, recent research shows that red wolves are a unique species. The only place where red wolves remain in the wild is the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge in eastern North Carolina, and surrounding counties. There are only an estimated 35 or fewer wild red wolves, and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature classifies them as critically endangered.
Like other wolves, these animals were hunted and persecuted on a massive scale in the 19th and early 20th century. By the s, only a small population remained in southwestern Louisiana and eastern Texas. A rescue plan was launched, in which 14 animals were taken to establish a captive population at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Washington State between and It was just in time, as the species was declared extinct in the wild in Captive breeding increased their numbers, and in scientists released four pairs into the Alligator River refuge.
Beginning in , the U. Fish and Wildlife Service also tried to establish a population in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but that attempt failed due in part to a low prey density, and the animals moving out of the park to find food. The remaining wolves in the Smoky Mountains were taken to the North Carolina refuge in The population peaked in North Carolina in at around , but has since declined to between 25 and 35 individuals.
Red wolves grow up to 26 inches tall , and adults measure about four feet in length from tail tip to nose. They range in weight from about 45 to 80 pounds, and have pointy ears and broad muzzles, wide heads, and long slender legs. They are often mistaken for coyotes , although they are significantly larger.
Red wolves once ranged throughout the entire Southeast, as far north as New York, northwest to Missouri, and down to mid-Texas. Like all wolves, these animals form close-knit packs and are highly social. These packs, which usually consist of a breeding pair and their offspring of various years, contain between five and eight individuals.
Red wolves mate for life, and these pairs usually mate once a year, in February. Pups are usually born in April or May and concealed in well-hidden dens. These include the characteristic howl, along with a series of barks, growls, and yaps. An innovative reintroduction effort to save endangered red wolves. A groundbreaking bipartisan bill aims to address the looming wildlife crisis before it's too late, while creating sorely needed jobs.
More than one-third of U. We're on the ground in seven regions across the country, collaborating with 52 state and territory affiliates to reverse the crisis and ensure wildlife thrive.
Uniting all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in a rapidly changing world. Inspire a lifelong connection with wildlife and wild places through our children's publications, products, and activities. In 4 seconds , you will be redirected to nwfactionfund. The National Wildlife Federation. Red Wolf. Red Wolf Canis rufus Status: Endangered. Classification: Mammal. Description Red wolves are lean canids, often with black-tipped bushy tails. Range Historically the red wolf ranged from southeastern Texas to central Pennsylvania.
Diet Red wolves are carnivores, though their diet can vary depending on what prey is available. Life History Red wolves mate for life, and each pack is formed around the breeding pair. Conservation Smaller and ruddier in color than their gray wolf cousins, the red wolf is one of the most endangered canids in the world.
Fun Fact Red wolves communicate through body language, scent marking, and a series of vocalizations. Sources National Geographic U.
America's Forgotten Wolf. Read the Story. Donate Today. Sign a Petition. Donate Monthly. Nearby Events. All trick, no treat? We must also encourage landowners to establish habitat for wildlife on private property. Saving wildlife without saving habitat is useless. Wildlife and wild lands go together. Physical Characteristics Adults weigh 50 — 80 pounds and measure 4 to 5 feet from the base of the tail to the tip of the nose. Long legs, with height at shoulder about 26 inches.
Color varies from dark gray to gray mixed with cinnamon, buff, tan and black. Often have reddish tinge on their long ears and on backs of legs. Habitat Original habitat included forests, wetlands, mountains and coastal prairies. Current Range Presently lives in the wild on the national wildlife refuges and adjacent private property in the 1.
Endangered elsewhere if found. Captive population is listed as endangered. Prey Primarily white-tailed deer, nutria, marsh rabbits, raccoons and small rodents. Red wolves consume pounds of food a day if prey is plentiful. Red wolves may travel up to 20 miles a day in search of food.
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