The red wolf, once a dominant predator across eastern North America, now faces a dire future. With fewer than 20 individuals left in the wild, this critically endangered species is fighting for survival against overwhelming odds. Urgent action is needed to prevent their extinction and protect these majestic creatures.

Red Wolf Crisis

In the past year alone, vehicle strikes have claimed the lives of four red wolves. One of the most recent victims was Muppet, a juvenile killed while crossing Highway 64 in North Carolina's Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge¹. Muppet’s father was also killed by a vehicle just six months earlier along the same stretch of road¹. These incidents highlight a disturbing pattern and underscore the urgency of the situation.

Vehicle collisions are a leading cause of red wolf deaths, second only to gunshots¹. Without intervention, the few remaining red wolves face a bleak future, continually threatened by the increasing traffic through their habitat.

The Need for Wildlife Crossings

Wildlife crossings are essential for the survival of the red wolf. These structures provide safe passage over or under busy roads, significantly reducing the risk of deadly encounters with vehicles. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has authorized $350 million in federal funds for wildlife crossings nationwide. However, these projects need immediate implementation to be effective².

An anonymous donor has pledged a $2 million match to support the construction of wildlife crossings in North Carolina, aiming to raise a total of $20 million³. These crossings will not only benefit red wolves but also protect numerous other species, including river otters, bobcats, and black bears. Additionally, they enhance human safety by reducing vehicle collisions with wildlife, which cause more than 200 fatalities and $10 billion in damages annually in the United States².

Human-Wildlife Conflict

The red wolf's decline began in the 19th century when European settlers viewed wolves as threats to livestock. This led to widespread extermination efforts, including bounty programs that persisted into the 1960s⁴. By 1967, the red wolf was declared endangered, and by the 1980s, it was nearly extinct in the wild. The Endangered Species Act facilitated a captive breeding program, and reintroduction efforts began in eastern North Carolina⁴.

Despite these efforts, human-wildlife conflict remains a significant threat. Poaching continues to decimate the red wolf population, with many wolves killed by hunters who mistake them for coyotes or intentionally target them. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service holds that nearly half of the documented red wolf deaths were due to poaching⁴.

Act Now

The plight of the red wolf is a stark reminder of the impact human activities can have on wildlife. Vehicle strikes and poaching continue to threaten their survival. Wildlife crossings, community involvement, and robust conservation efforts are essential to give the red wolf a fighting chance.

Your support can make a difference. Sign our petition to urge the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to prioritize the allocation and utilization of federal funds for wildlife crossings and implement additional safety measures. Together, we can ensure a better future for the red wolf and preserve our natural heritage for generations to come.

More on this issue:

1. Will HArlan, Center for Biological Diversity, (2 May 2024), "Beloved Red Wolf Killed by Vehicle Strike in North Carolina."
2. Will Harlan, Center for Biological Diversity (30 May 2024), "2 Million Offered for Wildlife Crossings to Protect Endangered Red Wolves."
3. Lily Huntsman, Wildlands Network (28 June 2024), "A Call for Crossings: High Toll for Red Wolves."
4. Dr. Suzanne Agan, American Public University (22 May 2024), "How Have Humans Impacted Red Wolves?"