Red Wolf Program
Red Wolves; their Appalachian home.
The WNC Nature Center is home to the endangered red wolf, one of 40 breeding sites for this elusive canid species.
In 1980, red wolves were officially declared extinct in the wild, and thus in compliance with the Endangered Species Act, researchers began the long journey to save this remarkable species.
The state of North Carolina has played a huge role in the recovery of these animals with the opening of the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge near Manteo (the northeastern part of the state). This refuge has become the first and only place where red wolves have lived in the wild since their marked extinction from the wild in the early 1980s.
The WNC Nature Center has also set out to save these animals by participating in the Species Survival Plan as one of 40 breeding sites.
Currently at a recovered density of around 250 animals in the United Sates, the Nature Center has held this sub species of wolf for several decades, assisting in the revitalization of the population. We welcomed the newest edition to our red wolf family in the spring with the birth of Mayo (named for her birth date, which was on Cinco de Mayo). We are also excited about our brand new red wolf habitat – Red Wolf Run – which was partially sponsored by Red Wolf Run, LLC in addition to the North Carolina Grassroots Science Museum Collaborative.
So come visit our wolves any day and learn about ways that you can also play a role in the survival of this wonderful species!
| Current red wolf facts from the u.s. fish and wildlife service: |
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| * There are over 40 Species Survival Plan captive facilities in the United States. Many have viewing opportunities visit: http://www.fws.gov/redwolf/rwfacilities.html |
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* Pups are born annually in April and May. In 2009, there were 41 pups born among 11 litters in the wild population - PLUS four fostered pups. In the captive population, there were 12 pups born among three litters, including our own Mayo. |
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* Aggressive predator control programs and clearing of forested habitat reduced the red wolf population to 17 wolves by 1980. |
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* Red wolves were declared extinct in the wild between 1980-87. |
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* Restoration began with four pairs of red wolves released into the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge (ARNWR) in 1987. |
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* Today 100-120 red wolves call northeastern North Carolina home. This is the world's only wild population of red wolves. |
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* There are two species of wolves in North America: gray wolf and red wolf. |
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* Historically the red wolf roamed as a top predator throughout the southeastern United States. |
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* Approximately 20 packs live in the wild in northeastern North Carolina. A pack consists of an adult pair and often pups. |
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* Life span in th wild: 7-8 years / in captivity: up to 15 years. |
| * Red wolves are wary animals and rarely seen in the wild. |
