With a wild population of fewer than 100 individuals residing along the coast of North Carolina, the red wolf (*Canis rufus*) is among the most endangered canids globally. A [Species Survival Plan (SSP)](http://www.aza.org/species-survival-plan-program/) captive breeding initiative was developed to aid in the recovery of this endangered wolf. One of the institutions involved in this recovery effort is the [WNC Nature Center](http://www.wildwnc.org/) located in Asheville, North Carolina.
The WNC Nature Center houses seven endangered red wolves.
On April 28, 2023, nine red wolf pups were welcomed by Oak and Gloria, two three-year-old wolves. The pups are expected to emerge from their den and begin exploring their habitat soon (they may be out already), so whenever you go to [Asheville,](https://www.travel4wildlife.com/things-to-do-asheville-wildlife-adventures-mountains-north-carolina/) be sure to include the Nature Center in your plans to see the red wolves!
The red wolf featured in the image is Mayo, a red wolf that was at the Center when I volunteered there. In 2012, she gave birth to a litter of four pups (two females and two males). This not only brings joy and smiles to visitors of the WNC Nature Center but also contributes significantly to the gene pool of this critically endangered species.
Encountering a red wolf in the wild is not merely challenging; it is nearly impossible. Rarely does a visitor manage to spot one in the [Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.travel4wildlife.com/wildlife-tour-review-black-bear-tour-alligator-river/). Your best opportunity lies in visiting a zoo or nature center that is part of the red wolf captive breeding program. The [Red Wolf Coalition](https://redwolves.com/newsite/) offers a list of the 42 approved facilities in the U.S. where red wolves can be seen.
*If you appreciated our Red Wolf Photo, you might also enjoy:*
**Cristina Garcia**
Zoologist and wildlife photographer. She has engaged in fieldwork with jackals, wolves, cheetahs, & leopards. She is a member of the Board of Directors of [SEE Turtles](https://www.seeturtles.org), a non-profit organization dedicated to sea turtle conservation.
Read her [posts at Travel For Wildlife](https://www.travel4wildlife.com/author/sadie7/) and explore more of her work at [Truly Wild](https://trulywild.com), & [Our Wild Yard](https://ourwildyard.com).