While the idea of wild wolves roaming North Carolina might seem like a relic of the past, their existence today is a testament to dedicated conservation efforts. Only one specific wolf species persists in a very limited wild capacity.
The Red Wolf’s Presence
Wolves exist in North Carolina, specifically the critically endangered red wolf (Canis rufus). They are found in a designated recovery area in the northeastern part of the state. This area encompasses five counties: Dare, Hyde, Tyrrell, Washington, and Beaufort, primarily within national wildlife refuges and private lands. The wild population is small, with estimates around 15 to 17 known individuals as of February 2025, and a total estimated 28-31 wild wolves as of August 2025. These animals represent the only wild population of red wolves in the world.
A Look Back at Wolves in North Carolina
Historically, red wolves once had a vast range across the southeastern United States, extending from the Atlantic and Gulf coasts north to the Ohio River Valley and central Pennsylvania, and west to Central Texas and southeastern Missouri. However, by the early 20th century, their populations faced severe decline. This reduction was largely due to intensive predator control programs aimed at protecting livestock, along with significant habitat loss and fragmentation. By the 1970s, the species was nearly wiped out in the wild, with only a small remnant population remaining in coastal Texas and Louisiana. Ultimately, the red wolf was declared extinct in the wild in 1980.
Conservation and Current Status
Formal conservation efforts for the red wolf began in 1973 with the establishment of a captive-breeding program by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). From only 14 pure red wolves captured from the wild, the program successfully bred animals for reintroduction. In 1987, red wolves were reintroduced into northeastern North Carolina, marking the first time a large carnivore declared extinct in the wild was returned to its native habitat.
The wild population saw growth, peaking at an estimated 130 to 151 individuals between 2005 and 2012. However, the population has since faced significant challenges, including illegal killings and vehicle strikes, which are leading causes of mortality. The red wolf is listed as “endangered” under the Endangered Species Act and is classified as “critically endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Ongoing recovery efforts involve releasing captive-bred wolves, managing coyote populations to reduce hybridization, and public outreach.
Distinguishing Wolves from Other Wildlife
Differentiating a red wolf from other canids, particularly coyotes (Canis latrans), is important for public understanding and conservation. Red wolves are generally larger than coyotes, typically weighing between 44 and 85 pounds, compared to coyotes’ 20 to 50 pounds. Red wolves also possess a more muscular build and a broader muzzle than a coyote’s narrower, longer muzzle. Their fur coloration is primarily brown or buff, with some black along their backs, and often a reddish tint behind the ears, on the neck, and legs. Coyotes, in contrast, can exhibit a wider range of colors from gray to tan.
Physical distinctions like larger, more pointed ears and longer, more slender limbs also aid identification. Additionally, adult red wolves in the recovery area often wear bright orange tracking collars, which helps distinguish them from coyotes.