The red wolf, once a dominant predator across eastern North America, now faces a dire future. This critically endangered species, reduced to fewer than 20 individuals in the wild, struggles to survive against a myriad of threats, most notably vehicle strikes and poaching.

Conservation efforts have seen some success, but the red wolf remains teetering on the brink of extinction.

 

Vehicle Strikes: A Deadly Threat

In the past year alone, vehicle strikes have claimed the lives of four red wolves. The most recent victim, a juvenile named Muppet, was killed on April 15 while crossing Highway 64 in North Carolina's Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge.

Muppet’s father suffered a similar fate six months prior along the same stretch of road, highlighting a dangerous pattern, according to the Center for Biological Diversity. These collisions are not isolated incidents but a significant cause of mortality for red wolves, second only to gunshots.

 

Urgent Need for Wildlife Crossings

Wildlife crossings are crucial for the survival of the red wolf. These structures provide safe passage over or under busy roads, reducing the risk of deadly encounters with vehicles. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has authorized $350 million in federal funds for wildlife crossings nationwide, with a coalition of organizations, including the Center for Biological Diversity and Wildlands Network, advocating for a portion of these funds to be allocated to North Carolina.

An anonymous donor has pledged a $2 million match to support this initiative, aiming to raise a total of $20 million to build wildlife crossings along Highway 64. Wildlife crossings 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 States.

 

The Role of Human-Wildlife Conflict

The red wolf's decline can be traced back to the 19th century when European settlers began to view wolves as threats to livestock and livelihoods. According to American Public University, this fear led to widespread extermination efforts, including bounty programs that persisted into the 1960s.

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 Carolina in the late 20th century.

Despite these efforts, human-wildlife conflict continues to pose a significant threat. According to American Public University, poaching remains a major issue, with many red wolves killed by hunters who mistake them for coyotes or intentionally target them. Data from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service indicates that nearly half of the red wolves whose deaths have been documented were killed by poachers.

Conservation Efforts and Community Involvement

Conservation efforts have seen mixed success. The Red Wolf Recovery Program, established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, helped the population grow to over 130 wolves in the early 2000s. However, the program was halted in 2015, and the population plummeted to just seven individuals, reports Save Red Wolves.

The program resumed in 2021, but the population remains critically low, and threats from human activities persist. Community involvement is vital for the red wolf's survival. Local landowners and residents in red wolf recovery areas have mixed feelings about the species. Some support conservation efforts, while others are frustrated by government intervention, reports WXII12.

Education and outreach are essential to foster coexistence and support for red wolf recovery programs. A revised Red Wolf Recovery Plan, released in 2023, aims to align conservation activities with community values and promote a sense of ownership and pride in red wolf recovery.

A Call to Action

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 the survival of this critically endangered species.

Wildlife crossings, community involvement, and robust conservation efforts are essential to give the red wolf a fighting chance. Public support and funding are necessary help build the necessary infrastructure to protect red wolves and other wildlife.

As we strive to coexist with nature, the survival of the red wolf symbolizes our commitment to preserving the natural world for future generations. Click below to take action for this species.