Red Wolves Across The Outer Banks

Written by Haley Heard on Mar. 05, 2024
Header Photo: Running Wild Media

In 1980, red wolves were classified as extinct in the wild. The last remaining individuals were brought into human care so a captive breeding effort could begin and the species could be protected from disappearing. Today, over 50 zoos and wildlife conservation centers throughout the United States participate in the Red Wolf Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) program.

The earliest red wolves returned to the wild were released at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge here in Dare County. This Red Wolf population remains today as the only wild red wolf population in the world. The wild population did very well until about 2014, but multiple factors caused its numbers to fall sharply. There are now approximately 20-22 red wolves living in the wild, while work continues to rebuild the population in eastern North Carolina. So what led to the decline of this rare species, and why are red wolves so uncommon today?

Photo: Eve Turek

Why are Red Wolves declining?

For a long period, red wolf numbers were trending downward. Even though the population has improved somewhat in recent years, there is still a significant distance to go before reaching former population levels. The main causes of decline are human caused mortalities. Gunshots are the leading cause of deaths for red wolves, followed by vehicle strike mortalities. Additional pressures include habitat loss, hybridization between red wolves and coyotes, and mismanagement. The good news is that many of these challenges can be addressed by increasing public awareness.

What would it mean if Red Wolves disappeared?

The answer is straightforward. Without red wolves across the Southeastern United States, coyotes have been able to expand their range, which can affect prey species in different ways. Red wolves support the balance of ecosystems that developed alongside them. They remove old and sick animals and help keep smaller predator populations, such as raccoons, at healthy levels, which can reduce the pressure those smaller predators place on other species.

What is the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service doing now to protect wild red wolves?

At present, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working to grow the wild population while partnering with the Red Wolf SAFE program. Through the Red Wolf SAFE program, red wolves are bred to help increase population size, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service releases some of them into the wild and monitors them.

All known wild red wolves and red wolves released from the SAFE population are fitted with bright orange radio collars with orange reflective material to help distinguish them from coyotes. This is intended to lower the risk of gunshot mortalities caused by misidentification.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has also worked with the North Carolina Wildlife Federation (NCWF) and the Red Wolf Coalition (RWC) to acquire mobile electronic highway message boards. These boards are placed along roads to warn drivers in areas where red wolves are known to be active. Red wolves are tracked as closely as possible, and when they approach major roads or other risky areas, service personnel work to move them away from danger.

Additionally, the red wolf field team reaches out to private landowners when red wolves are known to be spending time on their land. The goal is to make landowners aware of red wolf activity and respond to any concerns. The red wolf field team also promptly responds to all calls, texts, or emails received from landowners regarding their concerns, sightings, and potential issues - 24/7.

Photo: Ed Dailey

What future steps are needed to help save red wolves?

On September 29, 2023, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued the final Revised Recovery Plan for Red Wolves. The plan can be summarized as follows:

Recovery Vision

In the future, wild and free Red Wolves will coexist with humans in multiple populations across the historic range, where ongoing threats are effectively ameliorated through conservation activities, the public’s trust and engagement, and aligned policies among all involved with Red Wolf recovery. The recovery of the Red Wolf will provide a sense of community ownership, cultural importance, and pride, in line with the values of the communities in which they occur.

Recovery Strategy

The recovery strategy for the Red Wolf focuses on improving resiliency and redundancy and maintaining representation to meet the species’ needs for viability.

• Expand distribution of the species.
• Increase population abundance and maintain gene diversity long-term.
• Implement collaborative conservation to address species threats as well as societal values related to Red Wolf recovery.

How can people help?

Be alert for red wolves, most of which wear orange collars. Pay close attention while driving. Vehicle strikes are a major threat to red wolves, so watch for highway signs that indicate red wolves are known to be in the area.

Learn more by visiting local Visitor Centers, the Red Wolf Center outside Columbia, NC, and area Wildlife Refuges. You can also help by sharing photos and reporting unusual sightings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are red wolves dangerous to people?

No. Red wolves are shy, elusive animals. Still, they are top predators, and like any wildlife, they should not be approached. Do not feed red wolves or any other wildlife.

Is the red wolf worth saving?

Yes. Red wolves have an important part in keeping the ecosystem healthy and balanced.

Why are red wolves so important?

They help regulate white-tailed deer numbers by preying on old, sick, or weak deer, which helps reduce overbrowsing of farmland and vegetation.

What is the leading cause of red wolf deaths?

Sadly, gunshot mortalities are the leading cause of red wolf deaths. However, red wolves are protected under the Endangered Species Act. Violations can cost up to $50,000 and up to a year in prison.

Quick Facts

• The red wolf is the most endangered species of wolves in the world.
• Red wolves are a distinct species, though they are distantly related to gray wolves and coyotes. In size, they fall between gray wolves and coyotes. Their coloring can vary, but they often have reddish fur coats, longer legs, and larger ears.
• Red wolves use touch, scent, and vocalizations to communicate. Their calls are usually longer, deeper howls, sometimes ending with some yipping, while coyotes typically make higher-pitched vocalizations that sound more like a series of yips and short howls.
• Red wolves were once found across the southeastern U.S., ranging from Texas to southern New York.
• Red wolves are the only wolf species found only in the United States and are the smallest wolf species in North America.

Categories

• Sustainability
• Outdoor Enthusiast

About Haley Heard

Haley Heard is a rising Junior at Manteo High School and currently interns with the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau. She has completed many photography classes and plans to continue with more next year. She is also co-owner of a small business, where she uses her free time to make jewelry. At school, she has participated in Cross Country, Track, Photography Club, Mathletes, and the Student Environmental Action Coalition (SEAC).