Endangered Red Wolves rebound in NC with four new litters

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The world's most endangered wolf is showing signs of recovery in North Carolina, where four litters of red wolf pups were born in the wild this year.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Red Wolf Recovery Program estimates that 12 to 16 pups have survived their first few months. Only 22 adult red wolves remain in the wild, primarily in and around the Alligator River and Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuges.

Three of the four litters were born to breeding pairs that also produced pups last year. Red wolves typically mate for life.

One litter was born on private land owned by a participant in the Prey for the Pack program, which compensates landowners for supporting red wolf conservation.

SEE | 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline marks 4 years, NC expands mental health crisis services

"It's inspiring to see these underdogs making an incredible comeback," said Will Harlan, Southeast director at the Center for Biological Diversity. "These pups provide real hope for the future of red wolves."

Red wolves were hunted to near extinction by the 1970s. After being reintroduced to eastern North Carolina in 1987, their population reached more than 130 animals by 2011 before declining because of gun violence and policy changes.

Since 2020, vehicle collisions have been the leading cause of red wolf deaths. Eight wolves have been killed on roads, most along U.S. 64, which runs through the heart of their habitat.

To reduce wildlife deaths, North Carolina recently secured a $31 million federal grant to build wildlife crossings beneath the highway. The Center for Biological Diversity and 12,000 supporters helped secure the funding by raising nearly $2 million.

Make sure to download the ABC 11 mobile app | ABC11 North Carolina Apps for Connected TV, Mobile News, Echo