With a feral population of under 100 individuals residing along the North Carolina coastline, the red wolf (Canis rufus) ranks among the most vulnerable canids globally. A Species Survival Plan (SSP) for captive breeding was developed to aid the revival of this endangered wolf species. One notable establishment involved in this restoration effort is the WNC Nature Center located in Asheville, North Carolina.
The WNC Nature Center houses seven endangered red wolves.
On April 28, 2023, Oak and Gloria, two three-year-old wolves, welcomed nine red wolf pups into the world. The pups are expected to emerge from their den and begin exploring their habitat shortly (they may have already done so), so whenever you find yourself in Asheville, be sure to include the Nature Center in your itinerary to observe the red wolves!
The red wolf featured in the image is Mayo, a red wolf who was at the Center during my time volunteering. In 2012, she gave birth to a litter of four pups (two males and two females). This not only brings delight and happiness to visitors of the WNC Nature Center, but these pups significantly enhance the genetic diversity of this critically endangered species.
Spotting a red wolf in its natural habitat is not merely challenging; it is nearly unattainable. Very infrequently, a visitor may catch a fleeting sight of one in the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. Your best bet is to visit a zoo or nature center that is part of the red wolf captive breeding initiative. The Red Wolf Coalition maintains a list of the 42 accredited facilities across the U.S. where red wolves can be seen.
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Cristina Garcia
Zoologist and wildlife photographer. She has experience working in the field with jackals, wolves, cheetahs, and leopards. She is a member of the Board of Directors of SEE Turtles, a non-profit organization focused on sea turtle conservation.
Explore her articles at Travel For Wildlife and view more of her work at Truly Wild and Our Wild Yard.