North Carolina is home to a unique and critically endangered canid species: the red wolf. These animals represent an ongoing conservation narrative within the state, drawing both scientific interest and public curiosity.
The Red Wolf in North Carolina
Yes, red wolves (Canis rufus) are present in North Carolina, representing the only wild population of this critically endangered species globally. They are intermediate in size between coyotes and gray wolves, typically weighing between 45 and 80 pounds, standing around 26 inches at the shoulder, and measuring about four feet in length from nose to tail. Their fur is primarily brown and buff-colored, often with black along their backs and a reddish tint noticeable behind the ears, on the neck, and along the legs. This reddish coloration, from which they derive their name, is more of a cinnamon hue than a bright red.
Red wolves possess a lean build, often featuring black-tipped bushy tails. They have broad heads with wide snouts, tall pointed ears, and long, slender legs with sizable feet.
A History of Reintroduction
The historical range of the red wolf once stretched across the southeastern United States, from central Pennsylvania to southeastern Texas. By the mid-20th century, aggressive predator-control programs, habitat destruction, and interbreeding with coyotes pushed the species to the brink of extinction. In the early 1970s, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) initiated a captive breeding program, capturing the last remaining wild red wolves from coastal Texas and Louisiana. Fourteen individuals from this remnant population became the founders for a breeding program established at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington.
The red wolf was declared extinct in the wild in 1980. A significant milestone occurred in 1987 when the USFWS began reintroducing captive-bred red wolves into the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge in northeastern North Carolina. This marked the first attempt to reintroduce a top-level predator into its native habitat in the United States. Despite challenges, the North Carolina site became the focal point for recovery.
Current Status and Conservation
The current wild population of red wolves is concentrated within a five-county area on North Carolina’s Albemarle Peninsula, including the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge and Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. As of August 2025, the estimated total wild population is approximately 28 to 31 individuals, with 18 known and collared wolves. This population has fluctuated significantly, experiencing declines from a peak of around 120-130 individuals in 2012 due to various threats.
Primary challenges to red wolf recovery include habitat loss, vehicle collisions, and illegal gunshot mortality. Hybridization with coyotes also poses a threat, as it can compromise the genetic integrity of the red wolf population. Conservation efforts involve a multi-faceted approach, including captive breeding programs, pup fostering (introducing captive-born pups into wild litters), and coyote sterilization to manage hybridization. Public education and outreach foster understanding and acceptance among local communities and landowners.
Distinguishing Red Wolves from Coyotes
Distinguishing red wolves from coyotes can be challenging due to their similar appearances and overlapping ranges. Red wolves are generally larger and have a bulkier build than coyotes. An adult red wolf can weigh up to 90 pounds and reach a length of 47 inches, while coyotes typically weigh around 45 pounds and are about 35 inches long. Red wolves also possess a shorter, thicker muzzle compared to the longer, narrower muzzle characteristic of coyotes.
While both canids can exhibit similar fur colors, red wolves often display a more distinct reddish tint on their ears, head, and legs, along with bright white markings on their legs and a cream-colored underbelly. Red wolves have larger paws, measuring about 3 inches wide and 5 inches long, compared to coyotes’ paws, which are approximately 2 inches wide and 3 inches long. Behaviorally, red wolves are more social than coyotes and typically live in family packs, while coyotes are highly adaptable. If a canid resembling a red wolf is encountered, observe from a distance and report sightings to wildlife authorities.